Emerging Strategies for Developing Highly Engaging Dementia Care Intervention for Paid Care Workers in Long‐Term Care (LTC) Settings

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThere is widespread agreement about the need for strengthening the dementia‐capable workforce to increase the accessibility of online dementia care training programs for paid care workers (PCW) in LTC. Through three NIH‐funded research projects, we are forming an approach to the development of digital dementia training interventions based on two main strategies: a) improving ‘engage‐ability’ by using an engagement design centering on the concepts of motivation (key needs of the user), satisfaction (positive experience with the intervention), and interactivity (connection from one session to another); and b) integrating domain‐specific employee training with a generic employee wellness program.MethodStudy 1 evaluates a self‐directed learning (SDL) digital dementia care training intervention to increase ‘engage‐ability’ by addressing PCWs’ needs for improved knowledge and competence for caregiving while maintaining a sense of control in the learning process (motivation); by enhancing the ease of use through scenario‐based audiovisual modules (satisfaction); and, by using post‐session quizzes and pre‐session reminder messages (interactivity). Study 2 developed a worksite digital health risk assessment combined with a wellness improvement program that enabled a workplace counselor to deliver health education materials to increase healthy lifestyle behaviors in preretirement adult workers aged 55 and above. Study 3 combines the SDL dementia care training with the wellness program for PCWs in LTC settings in order to achieve high ‘engage‐ability’ and acceptability of the intervention.ResultA pre‐post evaluation of the SDL program (Study 1) revealed a significant reduction in stress and improved self‐efficacy in providing dementia care among PCWs (Study 1). Formative research demonstrated moderate usability and acceptability from the pre‐retirement workers who participated in Study 2. In Study 3, focus groups with PCWs and managers from LTC organizations showed high endorsement of integrated dementia care training and wellness programs with organizational support for the delivery of the training intervention for PCWs in LTC settings.ConclusionA successful digital training program for PCWs providing dementia care in LTC systems requires an integration of dementia‐specific training and the tools for wellness critical for supporting PCWs’ overall well‐being while securing support from the LTC organizations for PCW participation in the program.