An Interactive Multimedia Program to Train Professional Caregivers

• Published in: Journal of applied gerontology Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 269 - 288
• Main Authors: Irvine, A Blair, Ary, Dennis V, Bourgeois, Michelle S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2003
• Subjects: Caregivers; Computer Assisted Instruction; Professional Training
• ISSN: 0733-4648
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464803251845

An interactive multimedia computer training program on CD-ROM was compared with a video-taped lecture-based training program for professional caregivers of patients with dementia. Both programs promoted use of appropriate communication skills including speaking skills, reacting skills, redirection skills, & use of communication cards for redirection. Professional & paraprofessional caregivers (N = 88) were recruited as participants & randomly assigned to view one of the training programs. In a pretest-posttest design, participants rated caregiver responses in video vignettes of specific caregiving situations. At posttest, those who viewed the interactive program were significantly more likely to: (1) identify the correct responses, (2) intend to use correct strategies, & (3) have increased self-efficacy to use correct strategies, compared to participants who saw the videotaped lecture. 5 Tables, 25 References. [Copyright 2003 Sage Publications, Inc.]