Online training for nursing home staff to improve dementia care
Changing Talk Online Training (CHATO): A National Trial to Reduce Behavioral Symptoms in Long Term Care Residents With Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
This study tests a new online training program for nursing home staff to see if it helps them communicate better with residents who have dementia and improves their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04610944 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates an innovative online training program called Changing Talk Online (CHATO) aimed at enhancing communication skills among nursing home staff caring for individuals with dementia. The program addresses the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that often complicate care, such as aggression and withdrawal. By improving staff communication, the training seeks to reduce the use of inappropriate psychotropic medications and enhance the quality of life for residents. The study will involve nursing homes that are willing to implement this training and collect data on its effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are nursing homes that provide care for residents with dementia and have staff willing to participate in the training.
Not a fit: Patients in assisted living facilities or those with active psychiatric diagnoses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve the quality of care for individuals with dementia in nursing homes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar training approaches, indicating potential for positive outcomes in dementia care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Nursing Homes that serve people with dementia. * Nursing Homes that have internet available for staff to complete the CHATO training. * Nursing Homes that are willing to complete leadership interviews and surveys. * CNAs and nurses who are permanent employees of participating NHs and who provide direct care at least 8 hours weekly will complete the CHATO training, available by URL link. All staff will be encouraged to participate as participation by as many staff as possible is desired to achieve facility-wide communication change. * Data for residents in participating NHs with Alzheimer's disease or non- Alzheimer's dementia documented on the MDS Active Diagnoses list will be included in the analyses. Exclusion Criteria: * Assisted Living facilities or other types of facilities are excluded due to lack of MDS data as well as NHs that previously participated in other CHAT/CHATO studies. * Exclusion criteria from MDS include active psychiatric diagnoses (bipolar disorder, major depressive episode, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, mood disorder with psychotic features, psychotic symptoms, hallucinations or delusions); terminal illness (on hospice); and lack of verbal or non-verbal response to staff (MDS section B).
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas School of Nursing — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristine N Williams, RN, PhD
- Email: kwilliams1@kumc.edu
- Phone: 9135881673
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.