The evaluation of the Chinese iSupport for dementia program for caregivers in Australia and Greater China

Description of intervention(s) / exposure: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed iSupport for Dementia, an online education program for informal carers, to enhance the public health response to dementia. Online dementia education programs have showed improved self-efficacy for carers, reduced dementia-related symptoms for care recipients and improved quality of life for both carers and the care recipients. The project team has translated the iSupport into Chinese and tested its feasibility in a pilot study in mainland China. The Chinese iSupport program has had a virtual carer support to enhance social support for carers. The aims of this multicenter randomised controlled trial are to (1) determine iSupport program effectiveness, and (2) establish iSupport program cost-effectiveness in Chinese caregivers in Australia and Greater China including Mainland China (Beijing and Xi'an), Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau. In total, 204 caregivers will be randomly assigned to either an iSupport group (102 caregivers) or a usual care group (102 caregivers). As we have 6 trial centres, each centre will recruit 34 caregivers who will be randomly signed to either an iSupport group (17 caregivers), or a usual care group (17 caregivers).The interventions in the study are outlined in the following: 1. Self-learning of the online iSupport education program: The online program includes five learning modules and 23 units: (1) general information about dementia (1 unit); (2) information related to being a carer (4 units); (3) self-care (3 units); (4) providing care for the person with dementia (5 units); and (5) addressing symptoms of dementia (10 units). Each module presents a topic and provides interactive exercises with instant feedback for carers. When appropriate, the program introduces dementia care resources and services with weblinks for carers to access. Written short case scenarios are presented when appropriate to help carers understand the person-centred care approach for people with dementia and to develop problem-solving skills. It will take an average 2 hours for a carer to complete a unit. Carers will select at least 20 learning units that are relevant to them from the iSupport to learn over 6 months. The Online program will measure the completion of the program. Carers will receive an online certificate for each learning unit they have completed. They will also be able to print out their answers to questions in the exercises in each unit and review feedback on their answers. These records will also be used by the research team to assess the compliance with intervention and the outcomes of learning in carers. 2. Virtual caregiver support groups: A trained health professional (THP) will assign carers into support groups of 6 people. The THP will facilitate carers to share their learning and experiences through a monthly carer support group meeting (lasting 45 minutes) and chats via a social media platform of their choice over 6-months. The meetings will be recorded as qualitative data to analyze carers’ experience in the program. Caregivers will follow an agreed protocol to maintain confidentiality and privacy in group activities. 3. The trained program facilitators are health professionals with dementia care expertise and experience. They will complete 2x 2 hours online training modules specific to the intervention activities designed by the project team.