what is the program?
// iSupport?
We propose an innovative patient-centred approach, ‘Partnership in iSupport program’, in hospital memory clinics and community aged care settings to enhance support for carers. The intervention comprises support from an iSupport program facilitator, an online psychoeducation program for carers using Australian iSupport for Dementia and virtual carer support groups.
// the study
The study includes three connected phases to achieve five aims.
In phase 1, we will conduct consultative workshops with stakeholders to identify activities undertaken by iSupport program facilitators appointed by care service providers (aim 1).
In phase 2, we will conduct a trial to determine the effectiveness (aim 2) and cost-effectiveness (aim 3) of the intervention.
Carers in the intervention group will participate in the ‘Partnership in iSupport program’ for 12 months.
We will measure quality of life and health outcomes for carers and care recipients, the use of health and aged care services and the incremental cost per quality adjusted life years gained by the intervention compared to usual care.
The virtual carer support group activities in the trial will be recorded and analysed to understand carers’ experiences in the program (aim 4).
In phase 3, we will measure organisations’ key performance in translating knowledge into practice (aim 5).
// timeline
1 – 12 months: Ethics and Governance Approvals
7 – 12 months: Training, recruitment and baseline data
13 months – 36 months: RCT, Data analysis and findings
37 months – 48 months: Knowledge translation and dissemination of findings
Key Program Partners
