The Plans4Care study is a research study funded by the National Institute on Aging (Grant# R44AG084365). The Plans4Care app is designed to help family caregivers address over 90 common care challenges such as behavioral symptoms (anxiety, agitation), functional changes and other concerns, and receive an action plan which provides easy-to-use non-drug strategies, resources, tips and education. The goal of the study is to evaluate whether using the Plans4Care app will help you feel more confident providing care to your family member with dementia, better understand dementia, and enhance your own well-being. You also have the option to talk with a care advisor who can practice use of strategies or address concerns you may have.
We invite caregivers of people with dementia to take part in this research study. You are being asked to evaluate a new online application (web app) called Plans4Care that provides personalized action plans to address common dementia-related care challenges including tips for your own health and wellbeing. This study is being conducted by Plans4Care, Inc. and researchers at Drexel University in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University. Participants who are eligible for this study are: 1. A family, friend, or neighbor who self-identifies as having primary care responsibilities for a person with memory loss; 2. \>21 years of age; 3. Able to use an internet capable device (computer, tablet or smart phone), and have stable internet access; 6\. Actively (e.g., past 6 months) managing a dementia-related care challenge.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
160
Caregivers assigned to treatment condition will receive: 1) access to the web-app; 2) an orientation to the web-app involving initial set up; and 3) a brief video explaining use of the web-app. Caregivers will be guided through accessing the platform, creating an account and completing a brief set of background questions.
Caregiver well-being
13-item validated Perceived Change for Better Index assesses caregiver perceived change (gotten worse-a little/a lot, stayed the same, improved-a little/a lot) in affect, somatic, manage daily care.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
Caregiver/customer satisfaction (outcome) Net promoter Score
"How likely is it that you would recommend Plans4Care to a friend or colleague?" (0=not at all to 10=extremely likely). Promoters = score 9 or 10; Passives = score 7 or 8. Detractors = score=0 to 6
Time frame: 6 months and 12 months
Caregiver satisfaction survey
A questionnaire designed to gauge how satisfied caregivers are with their work, including their work environment, support systems, and overall job satisfaction.
Time frame: 6 months and 12 months
Health care utilization
Caregiver report 911 calls, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, nursing home placement for person with AD/ADRD Electronic records from primary care practices of emergency room visits and days hospitalized
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.