Effects of web-based training for carers in old age homes using WHO-iSupport for dementia, as a training tool - A mixed-method study.

ABSTRACT

WHO recognized Dementia as public health priority and developed iSupport, a knowledge and skills training program for carers of people living with Dementia. This Mixed-Method study assessed the effectiveness of web-based training sessions among carers at old age homes in and around Puducherry, India, using WHO-iSupport for dementia hardcopy manual as a training tool. We registered the clinical trial protocol with Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI), CTRI/2020/11/029154. We determined the change in 35 carer's knowledge and attitude following the training sessions using pre and post-test questionnaires quantitatively. Further, we explored their learning experience by conducting eight descriptive one-to-one telephonic interviews. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted this study online. i.e., obtained virtual consents, pre and post-test using Google forms, and training sessions through a webbased platform. We divided carers into groups where each carer attended two training sessions, and each session lasted for 2 h. Training sessions improved the carer's knowledge from a pre-test score of Median (IQR) 12 (9, 15) to a post-test score of 17 (16, 20) and attitude score from 30 (27.3, 34.8) to 33.5 (30.3, 39) in post-test. They perceived that the training sessions were helpful as they gained knowledge on dementia care, and their attitude has changed optimistically towards people living with Dementia. These findings suggest that web-based training has an effect and indicates the need for training among carers in various old age homes for betterment in providing care.