Feasibility & Preliminary Impacts of an Online Psychoeducational Program (iSupport-Malaysia) for Informal Dementia Caregivers

Summary

The general objective of this pilot feasibility study is to implement the pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) and evaluate the feasibility of its methods and procedures for iSupport-Malaysia intervention. Another objective is to assess the acceptability and preliminary impacts of the iSupport-Malaysia web-based intervention on the psychological well-being of informal caregivers (ICs) of persons living with dementia (PLWDs) in Malaysia, compared to iSupport-Malaysia eBook.

The main questions this pilot study aims to answer are:

1. How feasible is it to implement iSupport-Malaysia as an accessible resource for ICs of PLWD in Malaysia?
2. Does the use of iSupport-Malaysia lead to a reduction in caregiver burden among the ICs of PLWD in both web and eBook conditions?
3. Does the use of iSupport-Malaysia lead to improvements in psychological well-being (e.g. reduced depression, anxiety, stress; and increased quality of life) among the ICs of PLWD in both web and eBook conditions?
4. What are the perceptions of ICs of PLWD on the usability, satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the modules in iSupport-Malaysia?

To answer these research questions:

Seventy ICs of PLWD who met the study criteria will be recruited from the geriatric facilities of three hospitals, as well as via social media and referrals from elderly care centres.

Eligible participants will sign an informed consent form, and be randomly assigned to the intervention (iSupport-Malaysia web program) or active comparison group (iSupport-Malaysia eBook) using stratified block randomisation.

In both arms, participants are required to complete at least 10 out of 23 lessons within 3 months.

Outcome measures will be administered online at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up.

Feasibility outcomes will also be measured. Upon completion of the program, ICs in the experimental group will be invited for in-depth interviews via an online teleconferencing platform.

Expected outputs:

A free, adaptive web-based iSupport-Malaysia in the local Malay language. iSupport-Malaysia can facilitate self-directed training in public and private dementia services, integrate into caregiver training programs, and promote self-directed public education on dementia care.

Conditions

• Caregiver Subjective Burden
• Caregiver Wellbeing
• Feasibility Pilot Study

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

iSupport-Malaysia Web-Based Intervention

iSupport-Malaysia web-based intervention is a website version of the culturally adapted "iSupport for Dementia" into the Malaysia context (in local Malay language). The 23 lessons is arranged under the 5 modules in the same way as the original iSupport manual. Each lesson is delivered in bite-sized knowledge, using engaging videos, interactive quizzes with feedback, and reflection exercises. Each lesson takes an average of 10-20 minutes to complete. At the end of each lesson, a completion batch is given. The lesson plan can be personalised by the caregivers themselves according to individual needs. Caregivers will also have the option to receive a course completion certificate if they completed all 23 lessons in the program. Additionally, in each lesson, participants are encouraged to post comments in response to the prompt questions, and also reply to others' comments.

BEHAVIORAL

iSupport-Malaysia eBook

iSupport-Malaysia eBook is the Malay-translated, culturally adapted version of the "iSupport for Dementia" manual in PDF format. This eBook is approximately 275 pages long, containing comprehensive text-based details for the 5 modules and 23 lessons. The modules and lessons are similar to the iSupport-Malaysia web-based program. The main lesson content is delivered in text-based format. Each lesson includes at least one case 1 scenario(s) presented in a quiz format. Some lessons offer additional worksheets for caregivers to reflect on their own caregiving experiences and apply the strategies learned to their caregiving journey. A completion batch is given at the end of each lesson. The lesson plan can be personalised by the caregivers themselves according to individual needs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sarawak General Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Sarawak Heart Centre

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Malaya

  collaborator OTHER

• Sunway University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ken Joey Loh, MPsych · Sunway University

• Alvin Lai Oon Ng, DPsych · Sunway University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

100 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-05

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Malaysia

Study Locations