Medication Collaboration Feasibility Study

Northwestern University30 enrolled

Overview

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a brief medication collaboration intervention among older adults (age 60+) with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment who take multiple medications and their family caregivers. The main aims are to: 1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for older adults with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers, and 2) explore the effects of intervention on medication collaboration, medication adherence, and beliefs about dementia and autonomy. In this study, participants will: 1) complete a 15-30-minute baseline interview (by Zoom or phone), 2) participate together in a 45-60-minute virtual intervention led by an interventionist that includes: Assessment of medication responsibilities and beliefs. Education about dementia and medication management. Cognitive restructuring to address beliefs about independence and caregiver assistance. Collaborative planning for medication responsibilities and routines; and lastly 3) complete a 15-20-minute one-month follow-up interview (by Zoom or phone) to assess the intervention's acceptability and changes in medication management outcomes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Dementia Family Caregiver Dementia

Interventions

Medication Collaboration InterventionBEHAVIORAL

A brief virtual behavioral intervention for older adults with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers designed to support collaborative medication management. The intervention includes: (1) assessment of beliefs about dementia, autonomy, and current medication responsibilities; (2) education on dementia progression and medication management; (3) reframing maladaptive beliefs regarding independence and caregiver assistance; and (4) collaborative development of implementation intentions and medication responsibility plans to facilitate medication adherence and the transition of medication management responsibilities. The intervention is delivered remotely via Zoom or telephone in a single 45-60-minute session by trained study interventionists.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria for older adults with dementia: 1. Age 60 or older 2. Diagnosis of dementia, Alzhimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment 3. Quick Dementia Rating Scale Score 2-12 (inclusive of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia) 4. Taking 3 or more medications 5. Involved with managing their medications 6. Proficient speaking English 7. Capacity to provide consent Inclusion criteria for caregivers include:: 1. Primary family caregiver for the past 3 months 2. Age 18 or older 3. Proficient speaking English Exclusion Criteria: * adults unable to consent

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Acceptability of the Medication Collaboration Intervention

Participant-reported acceptability of the intervention will be measured using The Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Scale values range from 1 to 5 with a higher score indicating greater perceived acceptability of the Medication Collaboration Intervention.

Time frame: 1 Month

Secondary Outcomes

Medication Collaboration

Self-report of caregiver involvement with medications will be measured using an adapted version of the dyadic relationship scale. Scale scores range from 1-5 with a higher score indicating higher medication collaboration between caregiver and patient.

Time frame: 1 Month

Medication adherence

Self-reported medication adherence via the Medication Adherence Scale. Responses are summed and averaged, with total scores ranging from 0-5, and higher scores indicating better adherence.

Time frame: 1 Month

Beliefs about dementia

Beliefs about dementia will be measured using the Representations and Adjustment to Dementia Index (RADIX) questionnaire. Individual items are scored, and scores range from 1-4.

Time frame: 1 month

Medication Administration Hassles

Caregiver reported medication administration hassles will be measured using The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale. We will use the Logistics subscale. The total score ranges from 0-35, with higher scores indicating greater perceived hassle associated with managing the logistics of another person's medication regimen

Time frame: 1 Month

Beliefs about independence with medicines

Beliefs about independence with medicines will be self reported using individual items. We will use report the frequency of agreement with individual items, where greater agreements indicates stronger beliefs in the importance of medication autonomy and independence.

Time frame: 1 month

Medication Collaboration Feasibility Study

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

Central Contacts