Effectiveness of the web-based self-management intervention ‘Partner in Balance’ for family caregivers of people with early-stage dementia

N/A

The null-hypothesis states that there is no difference before and after participating in the self-management intervention ‘Partner in Balans’ and that there is no difference between the intervention group and the waitlist-control group in participant’s subjective well-being. The alternative hypothesis states that there is a difference within and between groups after participating in the self-management program. We expect the alternative hypothesis to be true, with an improved subjective self-confidence (increased self-efficacy) and a decreased or constant level of depressive complaints after participation in the self-management intervention.

Data will be collected pre- and post-intervention/control period and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up.

Participants will be asked to participate in an online self-management program called "Partner in Balans" over an 8-week period. In addition, they will meet twice with a personal coach. The online program will make use of a self-management program, aimed at learning skills and taking the personal needs of the caregivers as starting point. Online self-management programs have already been used to support patients and caregivers and show promising results. The Stress and Coping model by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) and the Social Learning theory by Bandura (1977) also served as the theoretical framework for the development and evaluation of the program. In addition, the program was based on the knowledge and experience of the target group (by means of focus group interviews) and professionals (individual interviews) who deal with MCI/dementia caregivers on a daily basis.