Use of a Multiparty Web Based Videoconference Support Group for Family Caregivers: Innovative Practice

Overview

Journal Dementia (London)

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2014 Jul 27

PMID 25062788

Citations 27

Authors

Mary Guerriero Austrom

Kristin N Geros

Kimberly Hemmerlein

Siobhan M McGuire

Sujuan Gao

Steven A Brown

Christopher M Callahan

Daniel O Clark

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This article describes a pilot of a weekly web based videoconference support group for five caregivers of persons with dementia. All participants reported positive views of the group and videoconference medium. Improvements in caregiver anxiety, depression, and physical health scores were observed. Depression scores remained the same with difficulties experienced by the caregiver increasing slightly. Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts and responding to disruptive behavior improved but worsened slightly for obtaining respite. We concluded that web based support was a positive experience for caregivers, providing them with an acceptable, feasible, low-cost technological alternative to in person support that reduced barriers to attendance by being available in homes.

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