‘Taking charge’ after a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia: does early intervention change quality of life?

Take Charge intervention: Take Charge is considered a patient activation program in which the participant is encouraged to reflect on their values and their vision for the months ahead. The intervention will be provided by someone with training in a health field (such as nursing or allied health). Interventionists will be trained according to a training manual specifically adapted for this study. The intervention will take place over two consultations. A Take Charge booklet will be used with participants to guide the intervention process. The role of the interventionist is to guide the participant through the activities in the workbook, to listen and to facilitate goal statements. The consultations may take place in person (in the person's own home or clinic) or via telehealth delivery (videoconferencing or telephone). The consultations will take place with the person and family or close friends for support as appropriate. The person and their family are encouraged to ‘take charge’ following a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia, having considered their values, strengths and capabilities. They will decide for themselves where the key issues are, and be given basic skills and supports to write a self-directed rehabilitation plan for themselves (the person with MCI or dementia and their family). The first consultation is expected to last approximately 60 minutes. A second consultation will take place six weeks later (also lasting approximately 60 minutes). The total duration of the study is six weeks in total and involve the two consultations (with no contact in between except to reschedule appointments if required). The second consultation will involve reviewing goals and setting new goals as appropriate. The intervention is structured into discussion points which will be addressed by each participant. These points include hopes, fears, My ‘Best Day’, functional domains, family and friend networks and information needs. Discussion points and goals will vary depending on the individual needs of the participant. There is no set time to spend completing the workbooks and this will be managed at the discretion of the participant. Fidelity will be monitored by review of the Take Charge workbooks ensuring that the discussion points have been addressed and goals have been identified.