A mixed methods evaluation of the Residential Care Transition Module

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Telehealth
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Dementia caregivers face significant challenges supporting relatives in residential long-term care.
• Telehealth interventions offer a promising avenue for caregiver support.
• Understanding intervention mechanisms is crucial for optimizing dementia care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and test new mechanisms and outcomes of the Residential Care Transition Module (RCTM) intervention.
• To conduct a mixed methods analysis of a randomized controlled trial for dementia caregivers.
• To explore the efficacy of a telehealth intervention in residential long-term care settings.

Main Methods:

• Post-hoc mixed methods analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
• 12-month psychosocial and psychoeducational telehealth intervention (RCTM).
• Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 240 caregivers.

Main Results:

• RCTM caregivers reported increased confidence in arranging services (legal, financial, ombudsman).
• Caregivers in the RCTM group experienced less annoyance with care recipients' behaviors.
• Qualitative findings informed quantitative re-analysis, identifying new outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Mixed methods analysis enhances understanding of the RCTM intervention's efficacy.
• Similar methodologies can reveal how and why dementia care interventions are beneficial.
• The RCTM shows potential for improving caregiver confidence and reducing caregiver burden.