ISupport: the online support program for caregivers of people with dementia

Abstract

Objective:In this first presentation, we will present iSupport, WHO’s skills training and support program for caregivers of people living with dementia, and summarize the theoretical and empirical background for its development and cultural specific adaptations, and the lessons learned so far. WHO iSupport consists of 23 sessions in total, covering five modules: (a) what is dementia (one session); (b) being a carer (four sessions); (c) caring for me (three sessions); (d) providing everyday care (five sessions) and (e) dealing with changing behaviour (ten sessions).Methods:The overview that we will present in this session will be based on the fast growing evidence on the adaptation and implementation of iSupport described in the scientific literature.Results:First steps have been undertaken to translate and adapt WHO iSupport systematically and culturally fair for several countries and specific target groups and first studies on the impact have been carried out. Published results from India, Portugal, Australia and Brazil will be summarized, also discussing some experienced barriers for implementation related to the way the intervention is provided and implemented, also related to cultural issues.Conclusion:The scaling of programs like WHO iSupport remains challenging. Ongoing research shows that interventions for caregivers of people living with dementia especially in LMICs such as India require further consideration. However, low uptake and adherence help us better understand which barriers caregivers face and how future research might tailor iSupport and other online programs better to carers’ needs.Support and training programmes such as iSupport, are more important than ever in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They present a real opportunity to help to reach the global target set by WHO that 75% of countries will provide support and training programmes for caregivers of people living with dementia by 2025.