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Feasibility and Acceptability of NIDUS-Professional: A Training and Support Intervention for Homecare Workers Caring for Clients Living with Dementia
The Need for NIDUS-Professional
Dementia affects millions worldwide, and as the population ages, the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to increase significantly. Homecare workers often lack the necessary training and support to provide high-quality care, leading to increased stress and burnout. NIDUS-Professional was developed to provide homecare workers with the necessary skills and support to care for clients with dementia effectively.
The Study Design
The study was a cluster-randomised feasibility trial conducted in the United Kingdom. It involved 12 homecare agencies and 24 clusters of homecare workers. The intervention consisted of a one-day training session followed by six months of monthly support sessions, while the control group received no additional training or support.
Measuring Feasibility and Acceptability
The primary outcome of the study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the NIDUS-Professional intervention. This was measured through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with homecare workers, clients with dementia, and their family members.
Results of the Feasibility Trial
The majority of homecare workers who received the NIDUS-Professional intervention completed the training and support sessions, indicating a high level of feasibility. The intervention was well-received and had a positive impact on the quality of care provided by homecare workers.
Challenges and Limitations
Challenges included the recruitment of homecare agencies and workers, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated, potentially impacting the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the study was conducted in a specific geographical area, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other regions.
Implications for Future Research
The positive feedback from homecare workers, clients with dementia, and their family members highlights the potential of the NIDUS-Professional intervention to improve the quality of care for individuals with dementia. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in a larger sample and in different settings, as well as explore its cost-effectiveness and impact on the well-being of homecare workers.
Conclusion
The feasibility trial of NIDUS-Professional has shown promising results in improving the knowledge and skills of homecare workers in caring for clients with dementia. The intervention was well-received by both homecare workers and their clients, indicating a high level of acceptability. With the number of people living with dementia expected to rise, it is crucial to continue exploring and implementing interventions that can improve the lives of both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
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