Improving Care through Improv: pilot test results of an innovative training program for care partners of people living with dementia.

backgroundIdentifying effective evidence-based ways to prepare the growing number of family members and friends who are or will be providing care to someone living with dementia is a critical public health issue. Training care partners in skills associated with improvisational (improv) theatre holds promise for improved communication yet requires formal investigation. DESIGN AND

methodsWe pilot tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the training program, "Improving Care through Improv," among care partners of people living with moderate dementia. We used a non-controlled trial design with participants surveyed at three time points. Care partners received in-person training co-designed and co-led by an improv educator and a gerontologist during weekly 2-hr group sessions held over 4 weeks. Surveys assessed caregiver mastery (primary outcome) and self-perceived stress, anxiety, caregiver burden, perceived ability to manage behaviors, and care recipient's quality of life at baseline, 1 month (program completion), and 3 months post baseline.

resultsForty-three care partners participated, 42 completed the training, and 40 completed all intervention components. Dependent sample t-tests between times 1 and 3 showed improvement in caregiver mastery as well as reductions in perceived stress and depression. Three months post baseline, 100% reported using the skills taught in the training. IMPLICATIONS: Recruitment, enrollment, and completion rates indicate high levels of feasibility and acceptability. Findings demonstrate improv's promise for improving dementia care experiences, illuminate areas for refinement and application, and support further testing. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05996718 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05996718).