Open AccessThe impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well‐being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study)
Author(s) -
Davies Anna,
Brini Stefano,
Hirani Shashivadan,
Gathercole Rebecca,
Forsyth Kirsty,
Henderson Catherine,
Bradley Rosie,
Davies Lucy,
Dunk Barbara,
Harper Emma,
Lam Natalie,
Pank Lynn,
Leroi Iracema,
Woolham John,
Fox Chris,
O'Brien John,
Bateman Andrew,
Poland Fiona,
Bentham Pete,
Burns Alistar,
Gray Richard,
Knapp Martin,
Talbot Emma,
Hooper Emma,
Winson Rachel,
Scutt Bethany,
Ordonez Victoria,
Nunn Samantha,
Lavelle Grace,
Howard Robert,
Newman Stanton
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1002/trc2.12064
Subject(s) - dementia , anxiety , caregiver burden , depression (economics) , randomized controlled trial , randomization , medicine , psychology , gerontology , psychiatry , disease , surgery , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Assistive technology and telecare (ATT) may alleviate psychological burden in informal caregivers of people with dementia. This study assessed the impact of ATT on informal caregivers’ burden and psychological well‐being. Methods Individuals with dementia and their informal caregivers were recruited to a randomized‐controlled trial assessing effectiveness of ATT. Caregivers were allocated to two groups according to their cared‐for person's randomization to a full or basic package of ATT and were assessed on caregiver burden, state anxiety, and depression. Caregivers’ data from three assessments over 6 months of the trial were analyzed. Results No significant between‐ or within‐group differences at any time point on caregivers’ burden, anxiety, and depression levels were found. Discussion Full ATT for people with dementia did not impact caregivers’ psychological outcomes compared to basic ATT. The length of follow up was restricted to 6 months.