Felstead, Cerne;
(2021)
Therapeutic interventions for people living with dementia: A review of informal carer training for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and an evaluation of virtual cognitive stimulation therapy (vCST).
Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Aims: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention for people living with dementia, which has proven benefits for cognition and quality of life when delivered face-to-face. Online delivered, ‘virtual’ CST (vCST) has never been empirically examined before now, however a clear need for an online protocol and evidence of its efficacy has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a preliminary response to this urgent need, this study aimed to assess vCST acceptability, and potential cognitive benefits. Method: This research consisted of a controlled, proof-of-concept study, mixed in design by incorporating pre-post quantitative cognitive measures and qualitative interview data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to tentatively explore initial effects and trends. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore the acceptability of vCST and facilitators and barriers of access. Results: Twenty two participants were recruited; 12 formed a treatment group; 10 formed a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group. Two participants dropped-out due to worsening health. 11 participants were interviewed for feedback about their experiences. Quantitative analyses found no significant differences in change scores between groups. Some descriptive trends indicated a stabilisation of cognition within the vCST group. Thematic analysis identified 13 sub-themes across four main themes; ‘being online’; ‘connections with others in vCST’; ‘feelings about vCST’; and ‘transfer of CST processes and outcomes to a virtual modality’. Conclusions: This research did not find statistically significant benefits of vCST on cognitive measures. Attrition rates and qualitative feedback demonstrated that vCST is a feasible and acceptable intervention for some people living with dementia. However, a majority still prefer face-to-face groups, despite acknowledging the potential benefits of a vCST provision beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple factors are considered in interpreting these results, and further research is recommended to determine the efficacy of vCST.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | D.Clin.Psy |
| Title: | Therapeutic interventions for people living with dementia: A review of informal carer training for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and an evaluation of virtual cognitive stimulation therapy (vCST) |
| Event: | UCL (University College London) |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2021. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10136115 |
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