Training program to improve dementia care in assisted living
Evaluating a National Person-Centered Training Program to Strengthen the Dementia Care Workforce
This study is testing two different online training programs for staff in assisted living facilities to see which one helps them provide better care for residents with dementia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1764 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06239688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates two models of an online dementia care training program for direct care staff in assisted living facilities, comparing the essentiALZ training alone to the essentiALZ training combined with Project ECHO. The study aims to assess the implementation and outcomes of these training models on staff knowledge, attitudes, and care practices, as well as the wellbeing of staff, residents, and their families. Data will be collected from staff and families over six months through questionnaires and interviews at various intervals. The findings will guide future dementia care training initiatives for the long-term care workforce.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include direct care staff and family members of residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias in participating assisted living communities.
Not a fit: Patients who are not residents of participating assisted living communities or those who do not have family members involved in their care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the quality of dementia care provided in assisted living facilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that training programs for dementia care can improve staff performance and resident outcomes, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: AL Staff: * Staff (part-time, full-time, and including contract staff) who provide direct care to residents at the participating assisted living community (e.g., certified nursing assistants, personal care aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, activity directors, social workers, and others) as determined by the administrator/health care supervisor * Are 18 years of age or older * Are able to read and speak English fluently Family: * Resident not expected to die or be transferred in the next six months at baseline * At follow-up, resident lived in AL community at least one month during the three months prior to interview date * Are a family member/legally authorized representative (LAR), or designated contact of a resident with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) of a participating AL community * Are 18 years of age or older * Are English speaking * Visit the resident at least monthly Exclusion Criteria: AL Staff \& Family: \- Are under 18 years of age
Where this trial is running
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Johanna Hickey, MSW
- Email: jvtsilbersack@unc.edu
- Phone: 9198433085
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.