Integration of Health Information Technology and Promotion of Personhood in Family-Centered Dementia Care

Launched by FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Sep 29, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving communication for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, which often makes it hard for them to express their care preferences. The researchers are developing a special touchscreen device called My PATI (My Person Assisted Touchscreen Interface) that will help both the person with dementia and their caregivers communicate better with healthcare providers. The goal is to see how this technology can make caregiving easier and ensure that the needs and wishes of those living with dementia are heard and respected.

To participate in the study, caregivers need to be at least 21 years old, provide care for someone with dementia for at least 2 hours a day, and have regular internet access. The person with dementia must be 60 or older, diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, and able to communicate in English or Spanish. Over six months, 58 pairs of caregivers and their loved ones will use the My PATI device alongside their regular care. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's a chance to be part of an important effort to enhance dementia care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• Caregivers:
• • Regular access to the internet (via computer or smartphone) and telephone
• • 21 years-old or older
• • Providing caregiving activities (Activities of Daily Living and/or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) for an average of 2 hours or more per day of direct assistance or supervision for a person with ADRD
• • Speak and understand English or Spanish.
• Care Recipient:
• • 60 years or older
• • Speak and understand English or Spanish
• • Have an established diagnosis of a Neurocognitive Disorder (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia)
• • Receive a score on the Mini Mental Status Exam of less than 24
• • Be able to complete the eligibility vision screen.
• Healthcare Providers:
• • \* Provide ongoing healthcare and support services to PWD and their families.
• • Exclusion Criteria
• Caregivers:
• • Provide care to a PWD living in an assisted living facility or nursing home
• • Plan for the PWD to be placed in a long-term care facility during the study period
• • Plan to end their role as caregiver within 6 months of study enrollment
• • Have their own major medical conditions affecting independent functioning (e.g. illness or disability) or cognitive impairment
• • Do not speak and read English or Spanish
• • Have known active suicidal ideation
• Care Recipients:
• • Significant visual or hearing impairment (with supports)
• • Known active suicidal ideation
• • Schizophrenia diagnosis