Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of vCST and Online Dementia Carer Support

Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Virtually Delivered Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (vCST) and Online Dementia Carer Support

A multicentre single-blind cluster randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of virtually delivered versus in-person cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and carer support in people living with dementia and carers

This is a multicentre, single-blind cluster randomised trial with an aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of virtual delivery of CST and carer support in comparison with in-person CST and carer support in Hong Kong Chinese. A total of 156 dyads of people living with dementia and carers will be randomly assigned to one of the four groups: (A) vCST (7 weeks) followed by in-person carer support programme (6 months); (B) in-person CST (7 weeks) followed by in-person carer support programme (6 months); (C) vCST (7 weeks) followed by online carer support programme (6 months); and (D) in-person CST (7 weeks) followed by online carer support programme (6 months). The investigators will measure outcomes at baseline, 7 weeks, and 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia;
• having a family carer;
• living in the community in Hong Kong;
• able to communicate and understand communication;
• able to see and hear well enough to participate in a meaningful assessment;
• the person with dementia and/or his/her carer can provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to communicate;
• unable to participate in intervention due to significant hearing or visual impairment, or other physical or psychiatric conditions