A mixed-methods evaluation of the impacts of an online Carer wellbeing and connection program

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100218
• Publication Date: 2023-09-20T16:37:54Z
• Authors: Amy Coe; Jennifer Bibb; Roxanne Kritharidis; Mary O'Mara; Rebekah Lautman; Konstancja Densley; Sarah Kovarik; Catherine Kaylor-...; Matthew Lewis; Victoria J. Palmer
• Keywords: Facilitator; Respite care; Thematic Analysis; Social Isolation

To evaluate a facilitated, 90-min session, delivered for four weeks, Online Carer Wellbeing and Connection Program in Victoria, Australia.One hundred three carers took part the evaluation. Eighty-six completed both pre- post-program surveys evaluating program impacts on psychological distress, perceived loneliness, social support. Qualitative interviews were conducted (n = 76) experiential data.Paired samples t-tests showed significant decreases between distress (M 25.10, SD 7.08; M 22.00, 6.57; t(85) 4.88, p 0.000), loneliness 6.69, 1.89; 6.14, 1.76; 3.45, 0.000) support 8.31, 2.48; 8.83, 2.21; -2.54, 0.013). Thematic analysis identified positive experiences mechanisms of action (or ingredients success) as: 1. Delivery by trained facilitator; 2. Provision respite person being cared during meetings; 3. Technical assistance; 4. modality; 5. Inclusivity; 6. Diversity experience; 7. Shared understanding; 8. Safety; 9. Emotional release; 10. Reflection, and; 11. Self-care practices.A model illustrating based findings mixed-methods evaluation is presented to wider implementation translation.The online effectively reduced improved carer wellbeing.