Evaluation of a Training Program for Healthcare Professionals Supporting Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Pre-Post Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background Despite their proven effectiveness, support interventions for caregivers of people with neurodegenerative diseases struggle to be sustainably implemented. In this context, the “Caregivers /Network-Service” (“Aidants Proches / Réseau-Service”) project (Interreg) aimed to create a network of professionals specialized in supporting family caregivers through training programs. The goal of this study was to determine the overall impact of the proposed training. Methods A total of 217 healthcare professionals participated in the training, and 108 agreed to take part in the study. Based on the Kirkpatrick-Barr framework (Barr et al., 2000) and the study by Parmar et al. (2022), the training’s outcomes were evaluated at four levels: (1) professionals’ reactions to the training, (2) changes in their learning (knowledge and skills), (3) changes in their practices, (4A) organizational changes, and (4B) clinical changes. For the latter level, a multiple case study was conducted with caregivers receiving individualized support from trained professionals. Results The training was highly appreciated and improved the knowledge, skills, and practices of the professionals. It also promoted organizational changes, such as the implementation of new support services for caregivers. The individualized support provided by the trained professionals appeared to have positive clinical effects on caregivers, who also recommended the service. Conclusion Given the demonstrated effectiveness of these support services, as highlighted by our research, and in light of the lack of initiatives in the field, we strongly recommend the implementation of such training programs for healthcare professionals.