Project details

Summary

What is the study about?

‘Empowered Conversations’ is a six-session course that can be delivered either in-person or online and aims to enhance relationships and communication between care supporters and people living with dementia. 

What are you trying to find out?

The course has been tried out and developed over the last 4 years. Feedback from informal carers tells us that it is in its best form, and we are ready to test it further in a large trial.

Previously, we have completed a smaller trial which found that the intervention was 
feasible, acceptable and showed signs of effectiveness. However, we need to run a larger trial to provide definitive information on whether the course works in reducing stress and improving communications and relationships. We also want to find out if the changes we made to the intervention previously to make it more accessible are suitable and effective.   

The study aims to find out if Empowered Conversations is more effective than the care someone would usually receive. The study is a multi-site “randomised controlled trial”. This means that participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group receives Empowered Conversations, and the other group receives standard treatment as the “control”. This is done to see if there are any differences between those who receive the Empowered Conversations and the usual care they receive. 

Who is it for?

• you are someone who has current experience of caring for a person/people living with dementia
• You are a carer for a person living with dementia in a non-professional capacity. For example, if you are providing support for them because they are a family 
  member or close friend. 

The Empowered Conversations course is primarily available in English. However, to ensure that the most amount of people can take part and access the study, we can also provide the intervention in Urdu.

What does taking part involve?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page.

1. Initial Conversation with a trained researcher to ensure the study is suitable for you at this time. 
2. Consent appointment to provide informed consent and answer some brief demographic questions. You can state your preference (if you have one) for group format (online or in person). 
3. Questionnaire appointment to answer questions about your health, wellbeing and your role as a carer. 
4. Randomisation where a computer programme randomly allocates you to the treatment group (the Empowered Conversations course) or the control group (support as usual). 

You will have a 66% chance of being chosen for the treatment group. This means that you will take part in the Empowered Conversations course shortly after your first appointment. You will have a 33% chance of being chosen for the control group. This means that you will continue to receive your usual care and support but will be offered a place on an Empowered Conversations course 6 months after your initial appointment.  

The Empowered Conversations course is a 6 week course and each session lasts 2 hours. It is delivered in person or online using video conferencing software. Experienced facilitators will deliver each course.   

5. Questionnaire appointment 2 after approximately 12 weeks. 

6. Questionnaire appointment 3 after approximately 22 weeks later.

You will be sent a £20 voucher to thank you for your time. 

Why is it important? 

We hope the findings of our overall study will be useful in evaluating and improving access to Empowered Conversations. Initial evidence indicates that Empowered Conversations can improve stress levels and communication of care partners and this in turn may help the person living with dementia that you are supporting.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page. You can also find out more information on the project website here.

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, click the button below to email the research team:

Email the research team