The impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well-being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study)
Citation
Anna Davies, Stefano Brini, Shashivadan Hirani, Rebecca Gathercole, Kirsty Forsyth, Catherine Henderson, Rosie Bradley, Lucy Davies, Barbara Dunk, Emma Harper, Natalie Lam, Lynn Pank, Iracema Leroi, John Woolham, Chris Fox, John O’Brien, Andrew Bateman, Fiona Poland, Pete Bentham, Alistar Burns, Richard Gray, Martin Knapp, Emma Talbot, Emma Hooper, Rachel Winson, Bethany Scutt, Victoria Ordonez, Samantha Nunn, Grace Lavelle, Robert Howard, Stanton Newman. The impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well-being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study)Alzheimer’s Dement. Translational Research & Clinical Interventions p2020;6:e12064
Abstract
Introduction: Assistive technology and telecare (ATT) may alleviate psychological burden in informal caregivers of people with dementia. This study assessed the impact of
ATT on informal caregivers’ burden and psychological well-being.
Methods: Individuals with dementia and their informal caregivers were recruited to a
randomized-controlled trial assessing effectiveness of ATT. Caregivers were allocated
to two groups according to their cared-for person’s randomization to a full or basic
package of ATT and were assessed on caregiver burden, state anxiety, and depression.
Caregivers’ data from three assessments over 6 months of the trial were analyzed.
Results: No significant between- or within-group differences at any time point on caregivers’ burden, anxiety, and depression levels were found.
Discussion: Full ATT for people with dementia did not impact caregivers’ psychological
outcomes compared to basic ATT. The length of follow up was restricted to 6 months.
Description
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