Technology-supported group activity to promote communication in dementia : a protocol for a within-participants study

Smith, S. K. and Astell, A. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6822-9472 (2018) Technology-supported group activity to promote communication in dementia : a protocol for a within-participants study. Technologies, 6 (1). 33. ISSN 2227-7080 doi: 10.3390/technologies6010033

Abstract/Summary

Background. CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid; Alm et al., 2004) is an interactive conversation support for people living with dementia. CIRCA facilitates one-to-one conversations and caregiving relationships in formal care environments (Astell, 2009). Originally developed as a standalone device, a new web-based version of CIRCA has been created to increase availability. The potential of CIRCA to support group activities and conversation between people living with dementia and a facilitator has not previously been explored. Objectives. The two objectives of this study are: (i) To validate the new web-based version of CIRCA against the original standalone device; (ii) To explore the efficacy of CIRCA to support group activity with people with dementia in a formal care setting. Methods. This mixed methods study comprises two parts: (i) 8-session group activity using the CIRCA stand-alone device; (ii) 8-session group activity using the web-based CIRCA. One hundred and eighty people with dementia will be recruited: 90 for part (i) and 90 for part (ii). Measures of cognition and quality of life will be taken at baseline, post-CIRCA intervention and three-months later, plus video recordings of the group sessions. Results. Both parts of the study will be completed in February 2018. Discussion. The study will provide evidence on two issues: (i) a validation of the new web-based version of CIRCA; and (ii) the suitability of CIRCA to support group activities in formal care settings for people living with dementia.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/76029
Identification Number/DOI	10.3390/technologies6010033
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Publisher	MDPI
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