A program of SUPPORT-DTM: Feasibility and acceptability of an early palliative care intervention for those living with dementia and caregivers.

OBJECTIVES

Persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers (CG) face a complex disease trajectory, which includes a multitude of challenges related to identifying credible health resources, access to services, and securing emotional support. Scalable, sustainable interventions that guide recently diagnosed PLWD and CG are desperately needed to minimize unnecessary burden and improve quality of life. This article describes the feasibility and acceptability of an early virtual palliative care intervention (SUPPORT-DTM) for use among PLWD with mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease and their CG.

METHODS

Using a quasi-experimental design, this 6-week prospective feasibility study was conducted among 28 (PLWD/CG) dyads and 2 individual CG. Eligibility criteria for PLWD included those with mild cognitive impairment (FAST score ≥4). SUPPORT-DTM comprises 4 main areas of guided support: 1) understanding the disease, 2) caring for myself, 3) caring for the caregiver, and 4) planning for the future. Outcome data were collected pre/post and during the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post intervention with 10 dyads. This study was approved by the Medical University of South Carolina IRB and data were collected from January 2023 to March 2024.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent (23/30) of enrolled dyads successfully completed the study. PLWD and CG scores on validated measures of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility indicated SUPPORT-DTM was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Post-intervention interview feedback further evidenced the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SUPPORT-DTM.

SIGNIFICANCE OF

RESULTS

Delivery of this virtual nurse-led early palliative care intervention (a Program of SUPPORT-DTM) was feasible for both PLWD and their CGs. A Program of SUPPORT-DTM has potential as a feasible intervention to provide anticipatory guidance to community-dwelling PLWD and CG. Participants endorsed inclusion of additional content specific to physical activity, stress management, and social support as helpful refinements for future delivery.