Understanding How CareCoach Works in Practice
What was the aim of this study?
The aim was to understand how CareCoach could be successfully introduced and used to support carers. We explored what helped people use CareCoach, what challenges they experienced, and what would be needed to support wider use in the future.
Who took part?
Family carers and coaches (healthcare, University or charity workers) involved in delivering or supporting CareCoach across study locations in England.
What did participants do?
Carers using CareCoach and coaches were invited to take part in interviews with researchers. Our researchers also observed some sessions between carers and coaches. This helped the research team understand:
- What worked well
- What challenges people faced
- How CareCoach fitted into existing services
- What support was needed for successful delivery
- Whether CareCoach could become part of routine care
We have finished collecting this data and are now analysing the data.
How will the findings be used?
The findings will help identify the factors that support successful delivery of CareCoach, as well as barriers that may make it harder to use. These insights will be used to support future implementation and wider rollout of the programme if we find that CareCoach helps carers.
What was the outcome?
- A better understanding of what helps CareCoach become part of everyday dementia care
- Recommendations for introducing CareCoach more widely across services
Some of our findings from the pilot study are published and can be accessed here.
References: Katangwe-Chigamba T, Guy M, Oyebode JR, Poland FM, May C, Fox C, Morse H, Cross JL. Understanding the Implementation of CareCoach—A Blended eHealth Intervention for Carers of People Living with Dementia: A Qualitative Process Evaluation Using Normalisation Process Theory. Behavioral Sciences. 2025; 15(8):1058. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081058
