Pilot Testing Dementia-Enhanced Training and Tool for Home Hospice Clinicians

Study 3. Pilot Testing Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Dementia-Enhanced Training and Tool for Home Hospice Clinicians in a Clinical Setting.

The purpose of this study is to pilot test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a clinically useful, inclusive dementia-enhanced training and tool for use by home hospice clinicians to improve care and support for Black and White patients with dementia and their family caregivers. The investigators expect family caregivers of clinicians in the intervention group will report less caregiver burden (primary outcome) than caregivers of clinicians in the control group. The investigators expect that, compared to clinicians in the control group (usual care), clinicians in the intervention group (receive the training and use the tool) will demonstrate more knowledge of dementia-related caregiving issues (secondary outcomes). In exploratory analyses, the investigators expect family caregivers will report greater self-efficacy and preparedness, and that patients of clinicians in the intervention group will experience fewer live discharges than family caregivers of patients of clinicians in the control group.

For this aim, the investigators will conduct a randomized pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the training and tool in clinical practice compared to usual care with 40 clinicians (20 intervention, 20 control) and 160 Black and white FCG (80 intervention, 80 control). The investigators will also determine preliminary efficacy of the training and tool. Outcomes include feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, reducing FCG burden (primary outcome), improving clinician knowledge and confidence (secondary outcomes) and increasing FCG preparedness and self-efficacy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals are not excluded from this study based on gender.
• Based on proportion of hospice workforce and family caregivers that are female, we expect 70%-80% of participants will be female.
• Nurse, social worker, or family member who provides care to persons(s) living with dementia enrolled in home hospice care.
• 19-90 years old.
• Can complete data collection in English.
• Family Caregivers: identify as White or Black/African American.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant is less than 19 years old or older than 90 years old.
• Does not provide care to person(s) living with dementia enrolled in home hospice.
• Cannot complete data collection in English.
• Family Caregiver does not identify as White or Black/African American.