Evaluating the Implementation Fidelity of a Motivational Health Coaching Intervention to Improve Self-Care for Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia

Abstract

Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is one of the leading causes of early-onset dementia, causing a progressive deterioration in patient cognition and function. These changes often lead to increased caregiver burden and health self-care neglect due to increased focus on the needs of the person living with FTD. This study aimed to evaluate implementation of an evidence-based virtual health coaching intervention designed to improve self-care of FTD caregivers. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Intervention Fidelity, adherence to the intervention (exposure and content) was measured with a total score ranging from 6 (low adherence) to 18 (high adherence). Overall, about half the sessions were deemed high adherence, with a gradual decrease in total adherence over time, primarily due to decreases in exposure adherence. Our results reflect the anticipated variation in sessions to maintain person-centered care. Overall, a virtual health coaching intervention for FTD caregivers can be delivered with relatively high adherence.