Designing a Tailored Primary Care Intervention to Manage the Burden of Caring for Patients Living with Alzheimer's Disease (or a Related Dementia)
This study is about creating a new support program for family members who care for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. It's designed to be used in local GP surgeries. Researchers will gather ideas from carers, healthcare professionals, and medical experts. They'll use a special method to decide which support ideas are most important and helpful. Once a program is designed, they will check if it's easy to use and if people are willing to try it. The goal is to make sure carers get the right support to help them in their vital role.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. It can be incredibly demanding, and sometimes it's hard to know where to turn for help. This study aims to make that easier by designing a special support program that could be offered through your local GP surgery or health centre.
First, researchers will talk to a variety of people: family carers, doctors and nurses who work in healthcare, and scientific experts who know a lot about dementia care. They'll share different ideas for how to support carers, and everyone will get a chance to say what they think is most important and useful. This careful process will help them create a well-rounded program that addresses real-life needs.
Once the program is designed, the next step is to see if it actually works in real-world settings. They'll introduce the new support system to several health centres and then check things like how many carers are offered the support, how many decide to use it, and if they find it helpful. This helps ensure that the final program is something that carers want and can easily access.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve support for family carers of people with dementia.
- It involves gathering ideas from carers, healthcare staff, and experts.
- The goal is to design a useful support program for GP surgeries.
- Participation involves sharing your opinions through questionnaires or discussions.
- You won't receive direct medical treatment through this study.
- Your input will help shape future dementia carer support in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for particular groups of people in certain areas. If you are an adult family member who cares for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and live in one of the areas where the study is taking place, you might be able to join.
The study also includes healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and psychologists who work in specific local health communities involved in the research. University experts in general practice, geriatric care, and clinical psychology are also taking part to share their knowledge.
Professional carers (people who are paid to provide care) are not included in this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
- Are you a family member (not paid) caring for someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia?
- Do you live in the areas covered by the Asclepios, Est Cher, or Iroise health communities (CPTS)?
- Are you willing to share your opinions on carer support ideas?
What does participation involve?
If you are asked to take part in this study, the main involvement will be sharing your thoughts and opinions on different support ideas. This might be done through questionnaires you fill out, possibly online (e-Delphi rounds) or on paper. There may also be meetings or discussions with other carers and experts to talk about the ideas. The researchers will be listening to your experiences and insights to help them build the best possible support program. The study doesn't involve any medical treatments or changes to your loved one's care. It's focused on gathering opinions to design and assess a new support system. The process of gathering opinions usually takes about 3 to 4 rounds of feedback.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- CPTS AsclepiosVerified postcodeAmboise, France· Recruiting
- CPTS Pays d'IroiseVerified postcodeSaint-Renan, France· Not yet recruiting
- CPTS Est CherVerified postcodeSancergues, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of support will this program offer?
The study aims to *design* the support program. The exact types of support will be decided by experts and carers during the study, based on what they find most helpful.
Will I get direct help for my loved one if I join?
No, this study is about designing a future support program, not providing direct care or treatment during the study itself.
How long will I need to be involved?
The opinion-gathering part of the study usually takes about 3 to 4 rounds of feedback, which might involve a few questionnaires or meetings over a period.
Who are the experts involved?
Experts include general practitioners, specialists in elderly care, advanced practice nurses, psychologists, and researchers who understand dementia and caregiving.
What is 'e-Delphi'?
It's a way for a group of experts and individuals to share their opinions and come to an agreement on a topic, often using online surveys and feedback rounds.
How to find out more
Clarisse DIBAO-DINA, Pr
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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