Effectiveness of Powerful Tools for Caregivers on Caregiver Burden and on Care Recipient Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Antonio Terracciano, Ashley Artese, Jenie Yeh and 8 others
PMID 31866419WHAT IT FOUND
No significant changes were found in care recipients' dementia-related behaviors.
Caregivers in the Powerful Tools program reported less burden, fewer depressive symptoms, and greater confidence than those in usual care.
Key findings
01The Powerful Tools program significantly reduced caregiver burden and depressive symptoms and increased caregiver self-efficacy compared with usual care.
02The program did not significantly change care recipients' behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
03Most caregivers who started the program attended at least four classes and rated the program highly.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was modest: 60 participants completed the first assessment, 55 completed the second, and 44 completed the third. Many caregivers did not start the program; 13 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group were lost before the intervention. The trial was not blinded after assignment, and the control group received delayed PTC rather than another active program. PTC included six weekly classes and respite was available, so the study does not show which part of the program caused the caregiver benefits. The paper notes a relatively low proportion of caregivers from minority groups or with low education, which may limit generalizability. Follow-up was short, only at least six weeks after the intervention. The study did not measure nursing home placement, healthcare utilization, or cost-effectiveness.
Declared interests
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that PTC improves dementia-related behaviors in the care recipient. The trial found no significant changes in these behaviors, even though caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy improved.