None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
We developed an eHealth solution – Music Attuned Technology for Care via eHealth (MATCH) – to support carers of PwD to use music intentionally to support care. The mobile application was developed as an extension of an in-person music intervention training program (HOMESIDE - ACTRN12618001799246) which involved a qualified music therapist offering one on one training to carers in the intentional use of music. In this feasibility study (Study 4), we will: a) evaluate the adherence, usability, and acceptability of MATCH for PwD and their CGs community setting. b) explore the clinical and health economic impact associated with engagement with the MATCH solution, especially on agitation, quality of life, and care burden. c) explore adherence, usability, and acceptability of MATCH for PwD and their CGs during the transition between community setting and RAC.
Interventions
Dyads of a person living with dementia (PwD) and their caregiver (CG) will be asked to use the Music Attuned Technology for Care via eHealth for HomeCare setting (MATCH-HC) mobile application and/or the music strategies learned from the MATCH training within the application for 12 weeks. MATCH-HC includes training videos for the CGs to learn music strategies (the use of music for relaxation, mood regulation, engaging and connecting, support personal care, and movement and exercise) they can use
Dyads of a person living with dementia (PwD) and their caregiver (CG) will be asked to use the Music Attuned Technology for Care via eHealth for HomeCare setting (MATCH-HC) mobile application and/or the music strategies learned from the MATCH training within the application for 12 weeks. MATCH-HC includes training videos for the CGs to learn music strategies (the use of music for relaxation, mood regulation, engaging and connecting, support personal care, and movement and exercise) they can use with the person they care for. Within the mobile application, the PwD and their CG are also invited to create various music playlists that they can use for different purposes. There is no time limit on the use of MATCH app or strategies each day. The dyads can use them 'as they need it'. Before starting to use the MATCH strategies, the caregivers will be asked to complete the MATCH training delivered via a mobile application. The training is offered through instructional and demonstration videos, guides and a sample music playlist. The videos introduce the caregivers to the methods and strategies for using music to assist the PwD in their daily routines. The learning modules comprise: a) Introduction, b) Relaxation, c) Mood Regulation, d) Engaging and Connecting, e) Support Personal Care, and f) Movement and Exercise. Each training video lasts for 2-7 minutes. All modules are anticipated to take a total of less than 2 hours. Upon completing each module, CGs can immediately start using MATCH. They can start developing their own music-listening playlist based on the PwD's music preference and try out the strategies taught in the Learning Modules. If the person with dementia transitions to residential aged care during the trial period, the dyad will be asked if they would like to continue the study ("transition study").. Upon their agreement and consent, they will continue to use MATCH for another six weeks, beginning from the point they gave their consent. Throughout the study, the researchers will maintain the web-portal analytics to monitor the use of MATCH-HC app. When there is a period of absence, a notification will appear on the app to remind the participant to use MATCH-HC and identify challenges they are experiencing.
Sponsors
The University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
For HomeCare stage: Inclusion criteria of people living with dementia: a) Living at home, co-habiting with at least one other person who is nominated to be the primary caregiver b) Formal diagnosis of dementia c) NPI-Q Severity score of 6 or higher Inclusion criteria of caregivers: d) Close in relationship to the person living with dementia e) Co-habiting with the person with dementia For Transition stage: Inclusion criteria of people living with dementia: - Participants enrolled at the HomeCare stage who communicates the decision to transition into residential aged care (RAC) during the study period - Dyads eligible for the HomeCare stage (meet criteria [b] and [c], however, transitioning into RAC at the enrolment (do not meet criteria [a]) Inclusion criteria of caregivers: - close in relationship to the person living with dementia - co-habiting with the person with dementia, before the transition into RAC
Exclusion criteria
• Dyads who do not have access to the internet or a mobile device as the app needs to be downloaded and accessed for study participation. • Hearing impairment that is not overcome by hearing support such as hearing aids for both CG and PwD. • The CG does not have good knowledge of English. This is because the mobile app version is only in English. Versions in other languages will be available as advanced features in the mobile app are integrated. We do not anticipate this occurring during the period of this feasibility study.
Outcome results
None listed