Development and Implementation of Tele-Savvy for XXXX Caregivers: A Department of Veterans Affairs Clinical Demonstration Project.

@entity1 @entity303 @entity148 @entity146
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To test fidelity and preliminary efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an internet-based version of the in- @entity1 , evidence-based psychoeducation Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) for @entity303 caregivers. Tele-Savvy used synchronous (tele-conferences) and asynchronous components (video modules) to provide program access to caregivers in their homes. DESIGN AND METHODS: SCP experts were surveyed to evaluate Tele-Savvy's fidelity to SCP. A convenience sample of 30 @entity303 caregivers from the Atlanta VA Medical Center enrolled in the Tele-Savvy clinical demonstration program. Twenty-two caregivers completed both pre- and postprogram evaluations, which included measures of caregiver stress and competence and @entity146 ( @entity146 ). RESULTS: Expert review confirmed Tele-Savvy's fidelity with and, in certain domains, improvement on the original. @entity1 demonstrated moderately high initial levels of burden, @entity148 , and depressive symptoms all of which decreased significantly postprogram in an intention to treat analysis. Similar reductions were seen in care recipients' @entity146 and caregivers' reactions to them. Marginally significant increases in caregiver competence were observed. Caregiver and expert panel evaluations of program quality were enthusiastic. IMPLICATIONS: An effective online caregiver psychoeducation program could provide greatly expanded access for caregivers who cannot attend in @entity1 for reasons of distance, transportation limitations, and caregiving responsibilities. Further testing in a controlled trial is needed to establish program efficacy.
