A review of a novel post-diagnostic support group for carers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods review of a novel post-diagnostic support group for care-givers to those with Dementia
IRAS ID
305554
Contact name
Roberta Caiazza
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria-healthcare Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Post-diagnostic support for people newly diagnosed with dementia and their carers is an important topic worldwide. The problems faced by carers are amplified by a lack of understanding about the diagnosis and symptoms of dementia.
There is emerging and consistent evidence to suggest that participating in psychoeducational interventions incorporating skills training, peer support programmes, psychological therapies, and counselling has positive effects on caregivers of people with dementia. The National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health’s review of qualitative evidence (2007) suggested that psycho-educational interventions can be effective in reducing the risk of depression and bolstering coping skills amongst carers if offered early enough when someone has been diagnosed with a dementia.
Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP), an NHS service in North Tyneside are currently piloting a new post-diagnostic group intervention for carers for people diagnosed with dementia, which incorporates existing structure around dementia education, but also integrates an evidence-based psychotherapeutic model, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As this has not been piloted before, the current research aims are to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of the group intervention, gather experiences and data to contribute to refinement of the intervention, and contribute to the evidence-base for post-diagnostic groups.
We are planning on completing both quantitative analyses, using the Caregiver self-assessment questionnaire (American Medical Association, 2015) and the Clinical outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10; Barkham et al., 2013) questionnaire, at baseline and at the end of the intervention to assess the impact of the intervention on carer’s wellbeing. In addition, we are planning on completing qualitative analysis, utilising Thematic Analysis (TA), post-intervention to clarify participant experiences and views of the intervention. This will involve telephoning group participants and completing a short semi-structured interview which will be recorded for transcription and analysis purposes.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0167
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion