Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Skills-Based Dementia Caregiver Group Intervention within a VA Setting: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

This study sought to design, implement, and evaluate a 6-week skills-based telehealth group for dementia caregivers within a VA setting. The protocol was designed based on a CBT skill-building approach and was evaluated using the four levels of evaluation developed by Kirkpatrick (1998). Eight spousal caregivers of individuals with MCI or dementia participated in the pilot group within a VA geriatric clinic. Methods included comparison of pre- and post-intervention outcome measures (caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, flourishing) and inductive narrative analysis of qualitative feedback from participants. Qualitatively, the intervention was well received and participants identified several areas of subjective learning and skill implementation including increased behavioral and communication skills, knowledge, and connection with resources. However, paired-sample t-tests of group outcomes revealed no significant differences on measures of caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and flourishing pre- and post-intervention. Based on Kirkpatrick's levels of evaluation, this study revealed positive reception of a group-based intervention for dementia caregivers within a VA setting, but further investigation of intervention effectiveness is needed given the lack of significant change found on outcome measures. A virtual skills-based group may be a feasible option for dementia caregiver intervention within VA settings that warrants further investigation.