Pilot Study of a Telehealth Delivery Method for Powerful Tools for Caregivers

ABSTRACT

Caregivers are at increased risk for physical and mental health problems. These risks may be mitigated through participation in an education-based wellness program, yet many caregivers face barriers to attend such programs in-person. This pilot study sought to examine the outcomes of a telehealth delivery format for an education-based wellness program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) for 16 caregivers in four states. Participants had high-class attendance, reported socialization with other caregivers, and demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms of depression at post-assessment.

KEYWORDS:

• Telehealth
• health promotion
• caregivers

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Research Ethics and Patient Consent

This research was approved by Concordia University Wisconsin IRB: IRB Reference # 17-08. All participants reviewed and signed a written informed consent form prior to participation.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by a Concordia University Intramural Research Grant. Leslie Congleton and Kathy Shannon at the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Headquarters provided support for assuring fidelity to the scripted evidence-based Powerful Tools for Caregivers program, and in recruiting qualified Powerful Tools for Caregivers class leaders to deliver the program.Mary Smith, Tara Giese, Patricia Billings, Ruth Hamlin, Leslie Congleton, Anna Tollenaar, and Valeree Lecey shared their time and talent to lead the telehealth Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes.