Research Proposal: Qualitative investigation into Internet-based Interventions for Professional Dementia Caregivers' Wellbeing

This paper proposes a qualitative investigation into internet-based intervention for the wellbeing of professional dementia caregivers. Dementia care is associated with care burden leading to negative psychological consequences, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has made access to the traditional face-to-face therapy challenging for dementia caregivers. Accordingly, some dementia caregivers have started to use therapy via information and communication technologies (ICTs) including internet-based interventions. The interventions offered in this medium include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation. To date, research has only examined the effects of these ICTs interventions among informal/family dementia caregivers, suggesting a need to examine the effects on professional dementia caregivers. In order to capture their first-hand experience receiving ICTs interventions on wellbeing, a qualitative research, using thematic analysis on semi-structured interview is proposed. Interviews will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of ICTs interventions on their mental wellbeing and care burden. Findings can inform the utility of these interventions for professional dementia caregivers in COVID-19 to help protect them from severe mental distress such as burnout supporting long-lasting care for their patients/clients.

Keywords: Qualitative investigation; Internet-based; ICTs; CBT; Psychoeducation; Interventions; Professional dementia caregivers; COVID-19; Research proposal