What is eSHAPE?
We aimed to test a new online training and support group for people in the early stages of dementia and e-learning programme for carers. This study was developed in collaboration with researchers in Norway and the United Kingdom, based on existing interventions using the principles of health promotion and self-management. We hoped to place people with dementia at the center of their care and teach skills for decision-making, symptom management and healthy living.
Recruitment ended in the spring of 2023
We recruited people with a formal diagnosis of dementia as well as their care partner (who could be a family member or friend) to participate in this study. Participants were recruited across Australia from StepUp for Dementia Research, Dementia Australia, aged care facilities and the NeuRA website.
Participants in this study were randomised into an intervention group or control group:
Intervention group
People with dementia were invited to attend an online group training and support session led by 2 health professionals once a week for 10 weeks. All group members were given a ‘SHAPE iPad’, where they could join the group at the touch of a button. Their care partners did not attend the group sessions but received an online program with similar training materials and support.
Control group
Participants did not receive the online group training from our team but had access to the online educational program after the study is complete. All participants (people with dementia and care partner in both groups) were asked to attend 3 telephone assessment to answer questionnaires about their health and wellbeing.
Contact person for SHAPE Australia
This is an EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) project. The project is supported through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and JPND – www.jpnd.eu
