A feasibility study on embedding the usual Chinese iSupport and tailored Chinese iSupport programs in aged care services.

OBJECTIVE

To: (1) compare the effectiveness of the 'Usual iSupport' and 'Tailored iSupport' programs on carers' quality of life (QoL); self-efficacy; and their care recipients' QoL; and (2) explore carers' acceptance of and adherence to the programs, satisfaction with the support, recruitment and retention rates, and staff training rate in a 6-month trial.

METHODS

An internal pilot randomised controlled trial nested in a large effectiveness implementation trial.

RESULTS

In total, 78 carers enrolled in the trial. Most carers were female (66% or 85%), with a mean age of 65.6 years. We detected a statistically significant difference of mean score in mental health-related QoL (3.44 [95% CI: .53, 6.35]; p = .02); self-efficacy for responding to changed behaviours (9.02 [95% CI: 1.24, 16.81], p = .02); and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts (8.83 [95% CI: 1.14, 16.51]; p = .03) between the 'Usual iSupport' group and the 'Tailored iSupport' group at 6 months post-intervention. The recruitment and retention rates were 17% and 100%, respectively. Carers in the 'Tailored iSupport' group completed 16.5 iSupport units, attended 4.5 peer support meetings and rated their satisfaction with the support highly. The staff training rate was 36%.

CONCLUSIONS

This internal pilot study identified improved mental health-related QoL, self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts, and for responding to changed behaviours in the 'Tailored iSupport' group. The recruitment rate was low, but the retention rate was high, and carers showed adherence to the intervention.