title: Development and Implementation of Tele-Savvy for Dementia Caregivers: A Department of Veterans Affairs Clinical Demonstration Project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test fidelity and preliminary efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an internet-based version of the in-person, evidence-based psychoeducation Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) for dementia caregivers. Tele-Savvy used synchronous (tele-conferences) and asynchronous components (video modules) to provide program access to caregivers in their homes.
  
  
  METHODS
  SCP experts were surveyed to evaluate Tele-Savvy's fidelity to SCP. A convenience sample of 30 dementia caregivers from the Atlanta VA Medical Center enrolled in the Tele-Savvy clinical demonstration program. Twenty-two caregivers completed both pre- and postprogram evaluations, which included measures of caregiver stress and competence and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expert review confirmed Tele-Savvy's fidelity with and, in certain domains, improvement on the original. Participants demonstrated moderately high initial levels of burden, anxiety, and depressive symptoms all of which decreased significantly postprogram in an intention to treat analysis. Similar reductions were seen in care recipients' BPSD and caregivers' reactions to them. Marginally significant increases in caregiver competence were observed. Caregiver and expert panel evaluations of program quality were enthusiastic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An effective online caregiver psychoeducation program could provide greatly expanded access for caregivers who cannot attend in person for reasons of distance, transportation limitations, and caregiving responsibilities. Further testing in a controlled trial is needed to establish program efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Rehab R&D Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia. School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. pcgriff@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.affiliation: Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Rehab R&D Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia. College of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: M Kate
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Mariya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kovaleva
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hepburn
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Alzheimer’s; Caregivers; Dementia; Internet; Psychoeducation; Veterans