title: Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: Innovative practice.
abstract: This article describes a pilot of a weekly web based videoconference support group for five caregivers of persons with dementia. All participants reported positive views of the group and videoconference medium. Improvements in caregiver anxiety, depression, and physical health scores were observed. Depression scores remained the same with difficulties experienced by the caregiver increasing slightly. Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts and responding to disruptive behavior improved but worsened slightly for obtaining respite. We concluded that web based support was a positive experience for caregivers, providing them with an acceptable, feasible, low-cost technological alternative to in person support that reduced barriers to attendance by being available in homes.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, IU Center for Aging Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), IN, USA maustrom@iupui.edu.
authors: Mary Guerriero
authors: MG
authors: Austrom
authors: IU School of Medicine, IN, USA.
authors: Kristin N
authors: KN
authors: Geros
authors: IU Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, IN, USA.
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Hemmerlein
authors: IU Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, IN, USA.
authors: Siobhan M
authors: SM
authors: McGuire
authors: Department of Biostatistics, Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, IUSM, IN, USA.
authors: Sujuan
authors: S
authors: Gao
authors: Department of Biostatistics, Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, IUSM, IN, USA.
authors: Steven A
authors: SA
authors: Brown
authors: Department of Medicine, IU Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, IUSM, IN, USA.
authors: Christopher M
authors: CM
authors: Callahan
authors: Department of Medicine, IU Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, IUSM, IN, USA.
authors: Daniel O
authors: DO
authors: Clark
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D049269:Videoconferencing
keywords: acceptability; dementia; family caregivers; feasibility; technology; web based support group