Pilot trial of CareCoach
What was the aim of this study?
The aim of this study was to test whether CareCoach and the trial procedures could be delivered successfully before moving to a larger trial.
We wanted to understand whether carers could be recruited and retained in the study, whether the outcome measures were appropriate, and whether CareCoach was acceptable and easy to use.
What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study helps researchers decide whether a larger study can be carried out, and what changes may be needed before it begins.
Who took part?
Family carers of people with dementia were recruited through memory services primary care services across seven study locations in England. Some carers were recruited via social media and Join Dementia Research.
What did participants do?
Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups:
- A group that received CareCoach and usual care
- A group that received just usual care
Over six months, participants completed two study questionnaires.
The study also tested recruitment procedures, data collection methods and the support needed to deliver CareCoach.
How were the findings used?
The findings were used to assess whether a larger trial could be conducted and to identify any improvements needed to CareCoach or the study procedures.
What was the outcome?
The feasibility study informed the design of the main CareCoach trial, helping to refine both the programme and the research methods.
The results of this study are currently under review for publication and will be shared once available to the public.
Learn more
Study protocol
Read the protocol describing the design and methods of the CareCoach trial. Available here.
Trial registration
The trial was registered before recruitment began. The trial registry provides key information about the study objectives, design, eligibility criteria and outcomes.
The trial registry is particularly useful because it shows that the study was planned in advance and records the outcomes that researchers intended to measure before seeing the results. You can view it here.
