S6: Adapting and implementing WHO iSupport among dementia caregivers worldwide: users' perspectives and future development (Session I)

Abstract

Symposium Overview

The WHO Global Action Plan against Dementia calls for “at least 75% of member states providing carer support and training by 2025”. In response to the global target, WHO has developed iSupport aiming to provide support for caregivers of people living with dementia. The generic WHO iSupport has been translated and adapted in 39 countries and 37 languages so far. The adapted versions of WHO iSupport are now being implemented worldwide, usually as an online program for caregivers. The feasibility, accessibility, effectiveness and sustainability of the iSupport program in different cultural context is now being explored extensively. This symposium aims to share the up-to-date research findings and lessons learned on the adaptation and implementation process and users’ perspectives from diverse cultural background. It will include seven presentation and be divided into sessions: 3 presentations on Session I and 4 presentations on Session II.

Session I: The first presentation will be dedicated to overviewing the development and the progress of adaptation and implementation of WHO iSupport. The second presentation will focus on the adaptation of iSupport in Uganda. The presentation will inform the utility of iSupport in Sub-Sahara Africa. Based on individual semi-structural interview data from Tunisia, the third presentation will highlight that caregivers’ experience and needs are valuable for cultural adaptation of iSupport.

Session II: The first presentation will demonstrate how facilitator-enabled iSupport intervention would change the interaction and engagement in learning among Chinese caregivers living in Australia and Greater China. The second presentation will focus on adapting iSupport in Switzerland using a community-based participatory approach. The third presentation will show the potential benefit of raising awareness of the Russian society about dementia after the implementation of iSupport through digital technologies. The fourth presentation will report on the co-design of an adapted version of iSupport for young caregivers.

The symposium is expected to inform further development, improvement and implementation of WHO iSupport for diverse cultural background. This will be not only valuable information for participants who are interested in iSupport but also for those (interested in) investigating interventions developed in another cultural setting.