Supporting Caregivers Remotely During a Pandemic: Comparison of WHO Caregiver Skills Training Delivered Online Versus in Person in Public Health Settings in Italy
Camilla Ferrante, Paola Sorgato, Mariachiara Fioravanti, Laura Pacione, Giuseppe Maurizio Arduino, Sabrina Ghersi, María Luisa Scattoni, CST Italy Team, Camilla Chiesa, D. Elia, Elisabetta Gonella, Sara Rizzo, Arianna Salandin, WHO CST Team, Felicity L. Brown, Stephanie Shire, Chiara Servili, Erica Salomone
Abstract
Feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness data of a virtual adaptation of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST; n = 25) were compared with those of a pilot RCT of CST delivered in person (n = 43) against treatment as usual (TAU; n = 43). Virtual CST was delivered with high levels of integrity, but received lower ratings in some caregiver- and facilitator-rated acceptability and feasibility dimensions. Qualitative analysis identified both benefits (flexibility, convenience, clinical usefulness) and challenges, (technological issues, distraction from family members, emotional distance). Virtual and in-person CST improved significantly more on caregiver competence than TAU; there were no other significant effects. Potential for use of virtual CST as a clinical response in contexts where in-person delivery is not possible is discussed.