The Development of a Caregiver-focused, Web-based Program to Assess and Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Background/Objectives: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are nearly universal in dementia and associated with multiple negative outcomes. Current real-world management is largely pharmacologic, despite poor risk/benefit. The WeCareAdvisor was designed to enable family caregivers to assess, manage, and track BPSD using nonpharmacologic strategies. Design: In-depth qualitative data were collected from family caregivers of people with dementia to inform: (1) style of approach and "look and feel" of the tool, and (2) the types of psychoeducation most needed by caregivers. Results: We conducted 4 focus groups and a technology survey (n=26) as well as additional individual semistructured interviews (n=12) with family caregivers. Main themes of the qualitative work included: (1) need to minimize difficulty and training time; (2) importance of "one-stop shopping" for information; and (3) necessity for information to be tailored to the caregiver and person with dementia. This information was then combined with effective existing evidence-based behavioral strategies to create a web-based tailored caregiver-support tool. Conclusions: The We Care Advisor was designed with input on functionality and content by end-users, family caregivers. The randomized controlled trial of We Care Advisor will test whether the tool improves outcomes including caregiver upset and burden and frequency and severity of BPSD.