Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong KC, Law ST, Suen WS, Chong KW, Li KL, Chiu TW, Chang SP, Lau M
Affiliation :
Department of Occupational Therapy, Shatin Hospital
Introduction :
Population aging has been a concern in Hong Kong in recent years. Consequently, increasing number of dementia cases is inevitably expected. Researches have shown that the lack of knowledge on dementia and handling technique increase carer stress and affect discharge planning. Carer Empowerment Programme for Dementia (CEPD) was developed to empower carers’ competence and soft skills when handling patients with dementia. Apart from traditional talks, the programme incorporated experiential learning, role play, booth tour and case discussion to deepen participants’ understandings on the topics. Suitable activities were prescribed by end of session to encourage home programme after discharge. A tailored “gift bag” including programme cue cards and appropriate assistive devices were also provided to facilitate care.
Objectives :
To enhance carers’ soft skills to provide quality care for patients with dementia.
To reduce carer stress.
Methodology :
CEPD was held in a monthly basis and lasted for 3 hours. Programme content was based on literature review and needs identification through interview with carers and therapists. Carers joining the programme would complete 2 questionnaires - Caregiver Competence Scale & Caregiver Preparedness Scale - before and after the session, and a satisfaction survey. Their caring stress prior to the programme was measured by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and they would be contacted through phone 1 month after the session to follow up the change in burden level. Four outcomes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of CEPD: 1. Change in carers’ competence to provide care before and after the session 2. Change in carers’ preparedness to take patients home before and after the session 3. Change in caring burden before the session and 1 month after 4. Carers’ satisfaction
Result & Outcome :
1. 5 groups were run from May to Oct 2019, with a total of 30 family groups attended 2. Carers had 58% increase in competence to take care of patients immediately after CEPD 3. Carers were 53% more prepared to take patients home just by attending CEPD 4. 67% of carers were successfully followed up through phone; there was significant decrease in mean score of ZBI (from 46.8 to 37.5) 1 month after CEPD 5. Majority of participants “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” that the main domain areas of CEPD were crucial and well-covered for filling the gap in carers’ needs: i. 90% in “Introduction on dementia” ii. 87% in “BPSD handling strategies” iii. 84% in “Application on assistive devices and activities” iv. 84% in “Care for carers” 6. 93% of participants agreed that the content of CEPD was comprehensive enough to provide quality care to patients with dementia
