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The Tele‐STELLA protocol: Telehealth‐based support for families living with later‐stage Alzheimer's disease
Author(s) -
Lindauer Allison,
Messecar Deborah,
McKenzie Glenise,
Gibson Allison,
Wharton Whitney,
Bianchi Allison,
Tarter Robin,
Tadesse Ruth,
Boardman Charles,
Golonka Ona,
Gothard Sarah,
Dodge Hiroko H.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/jan.14980
Subject(s) - telehealth , dementia , intervention (counseling) , psychological intervention , randomized controlled trial , telemedicine , medicine , stella (programming language) , disease , psychology , nursing , gerontology , health care , computer science , surgery , pathology , economics , economic growth , artificial intelligence
Aims We aim to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Tele‐STELLA ( S upport via Te lehealth: L iving and L earning with A dvancing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias) intervention. We will also assess the efficacy of the intervention in reducing the frequency of behavioural symptoms of dementia as well as family Care Partner reactivity to the symptoms. Design This is a multi‐component, quasi‐experimental study that focuses on facilitating effective management of behavioural symptoms that occur in the later stages of dementia. Methods Family Care Partners ( n = 124) for persons with Alzheimer's disease will participate in two 8‐week videoconferencing components that address behavioural symptoms—in both the persons with Alzheimer's disease and their Care Partners. In the first component (‘Nova’), Care Partners work with one nurse for an hour/week for 4 weeks, then they join a small group for another 4 weeks. In the second component (‘Constellation’), Care Partners work in a larger group to hone skills and knit supportive relationships. Behavioural symptom frequency and Care Partner reactivity to the behaviours will be measured prior to, during and after the intervention. The study is funded by the United States National Institute on Aging (R01AG067546) ; funding was initiated as on February, 2021. Discussion Tele‐STELLA fills a gap in current videoconference‐based psychoeducational interventions in that it offers real‐time interaction with nurses and peers. The intervention was designed with feedback by pilot participants. This study will assess Tele‐STELLA in its current, novel format; thus, preparing it for a larger, future randomized controlled trial. Impact Tele‐STELLA addresses symptoms that occur in the later stages of dementia, providing families with tools to facilitate effective behavioural management. Because Tele‐STELLA is implemented via videoconferencing, it targets Care Partners who face barriers to support, such as cost and transportation. Trial Registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT04627662).