%V 25
%A P Rapaport
%A A Burton
%A M Palomo
%A J Griffiths
%A D Kelleher
%A M Leverton
%A V Vickerstaff
%A J Barber
%A M Bird
%A J Budgett
%A J Birch
%A K Rockwood
%A M Downs
%A K Lord
%A HC Kales
%A G Livingston
%A P Riley
%A C Cooper
%T A mixed-methods feasibility study of a goal-focused manualised intervention to support people with dementia to stay living independently at home with support from family carers: NIDUS (New Interventions for Independence in Dementia Study) Family
%N 8
%P 1463-1474
%D 2021
%I ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
%L discovery10117063
%J Aging & Mental Health
%K Dementia, caregiver, therapeutics, feasibility studies
%X Objectives:
To examine the feasibility and acceptability of NIDUS-Family, a 6–8 session manualised, individually tailored, modular intervention supporting independence at home for people with dementia; and explore participants’ and facilitators’ experiences of the intervention. /

Method:
In this single group multi-site feasibility study, trained, supervised non-clinically qualified graduates (facilitators) delivered NIDUS-Family to family carer and people living with dementia dyads. We recruited participants from GP practices and memory services in London and Bradford. We completed quantitative outcomes pre- and post-intervention; and conducted qualitative interviews with participants and facilitators. Our pre-specified main outcomes were proportion of potential participants approached who agreed to participate, intervention adherence and acceptability to family carers, and facilitator fidelity to the manual. /

Results:
We recruited 16 dyads (57% of those approached); 12 (75%) completed the intervention. Of 12 participants rating intervention acceptability, 9 (75%) agreed or strongly agreed that it had helped; 2 (18%) neither agreed nor disagreed and 1 (8%) disagreed. Mean facilitator fidelity was high (81.5%). Dyads set on average 3.9 goals; these most commonly related to getting out and about and increasing activity/hobby participation (n = 10); carer wellbeing (n = 6), managing physical complaints (n = 6); meal preparation/cooking (n = 5); and reducing irritability, frustration or aggression (n = 5). Almost all secondary outcomes changed in a direction indicating improvement. In our qualitative analysis we identified three overarching themes; relationships facilitate change, goal-focused versus manualised approach and balancing the needs of carers and people with dementia. /

Conclusion:
NIDUS-Family was feasible and acceptable to participants. Following refinements, testing in a pragmatic trial is underway.
%O This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.