Abstract
Background: Affordable and accessible evidence-based educational resources are needed to address persisting deficiencies in dementia literacy. The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UD MOOC) was designed to meet the broad dementia educational needs of both health workers and family carers and is delivered as a free, 9 week on-line course focussed on the brain, pathophysiology, symptoms and care. This study examined the impact of the UDMOOC on dementia knowledge, a key component of dementia literacy. Methods: Dementia knowledge of participants was determined before and after completing the UD MOOC using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS 2.0). This validated, reliable scale comprises 25 items considered important in understanding dementia and associated care needs. In addition to standard demographic parameters, data was collated on participant experience of dementia, including prior exposure to dementia education, and experience obtained in the workplace and/or as a family carer. Results: 1718 UDMOOC participants completed the DKAS 2.0 comprising a regional distribution of 81% Oceania, 8.2 % Americas, 7.2 % Europe, 2.3% Asia and less than 1% Africa. A significant improvement in dementia knowledge was evident following completion of the UDMOOC. Mean dementia knowledge score prior to undertaking the UDMOOC was 34.7 (+/- 9.12) out of a possible 50 and after undertaking the UDMOOC was 43.7 (+/-6.01). 22% achieved the target score of 46 prior to the UDMOOC while 78% achieved this target score after completing the UDMOOC. The improvements in dementia knowledge were evident in both health care worker and family carer groups irrespective of experience or educational background, suggesting the UDMOOC is an effective means of delivering dementia education to a wide cross section of participants. Conclusions: The UDMOOC is an effective means of improving dementia knowledge and will contribute to improving the dementia literacy of health care providers, people living with dementia, their families and the broader community globally. Given its relevance and accessibility, the UDMOOC is a valuable and widely applicable public health intervention.
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