Barriers and facilitators of a telehealth program to caregivers of older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Grant number: 22/04912-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Grace Angélica de Oliveira Gomes
• Grantee: Layana Liss Schwenger
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Telehealth programs have become a timely alternative to the recommendations of isolation and social distancing pandemic imposed by the COVID-19. However, there are few studies that analyze the existing barriers and facilitators for applying the program to specific audiences, especially caregivers and elderly people with dementia. Objective: to analyze the barriers and facilitators of a telehealth program for caregivers of elderly people with dementia during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Methods: This is a quantitative-qualitative study carried out in an online format in the years 2021 and 2022. The study will include interveners, program coordinators and caregivers of elderly people diagnosed with dementia, recruited through social media outreach, online workshop posters. The online intervention will consist of psychoeducation techniques and prescription of physical exercises for 12 weeks. Questionnaires with open and multiple choice questions will be applied on the perception of caregivers, interveners and project coordinator about barriers and facilitators of the caregiver. The focus group will be held to address the issue of barriers and facilitators. Quantitative data will be counted in the form of mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequencies. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Bardin's content analysis in the Atlas.ti program. Expected results: It is expected that the program will be considered a facilitator when compared to face-to-face care, even if there are some more prevalent barriers that may influence effectiveness, such as internet connection, external environment, mood swings of the elderly for the practice of activities and execution of exercises.