An Interactive Multimedia Program to Train Professional Caregivers

An interactive multimedia computer training program on CD-ROM was compared with a videotaped lecture-based training program for professional caregivers of patients with dementia. Both programs promoted use of appropriate communication skills including speaking skills, reacting skills, redirection skills, and use of communication cards for redirection. Professional and paraprofessional caregivers (N = 88) were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to view one of the training programs. In a pretest-posttest design, participants rated caregiver responses in video vignettes of specific caregiving situations. At posttest, those who viewed the interactive program were significantly more likely to: (a) identify the correct responses, (b) intend to use correct strategies, and (c) have increased self-efficacy to use correct strategies, compared to participants who saw the videotaped lecture.