Applying RE-AIM Framework to the Evaluation of a Translational Study of RDAD-NW in AAA Communities

Abstract

Abstract Applying RE-AIM Framework to the Evaluation of a Translational Study of RDAD-NW in AAA Communities Review: The current review is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the RE-AIM framework and its applications in the health science field as well as in dementia-related translational studies. The current review also looked at the program fidelity monitoring progress in existing translational studies. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL-Complete, and PsycINFO using the following keywords: RE-AIM, behavioral intervention, psychoeducation, translation, dementia, caregiving, caregiver, behavioral intervention, and implementation. As an additional searching strategy, the author also reviewed the Administration on Aging (AoA) 2014 report. In the end, seven dementia-related translational programs were identified and are reviewed in the current paper: SCP, NYUCI, Skills2Care, RDAD, STAR, COPE, and REACH. In the health science field, translational studies on topics such as diabetes and fall prevention have applied the RE-AIM framework to report their findings. As for those seven dementia-related translational programs, in some cases, modifications were made to the length of the program and/or the length of the intervention sessions. Also, the characteristics of non-participants, non-adoption sites, and the cost of program implementation were least reported in those seven programs. The frequently reported fidelity monitoring methods include using a training protocol, using a training and certification process for interventionists, and ongoing supervision. Further research is needed to develop a universal fidelity monitoring measure and to address the sustainability of a program from a financial perspective. KEYWORDS: RE-AIM, psychoeducation, dementia caregiving, behavioral intervention, translation and implementation Study: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the RDAD-NW translational program by Area Agencies on Aging community-based services via using the RE-AIM framework. The current study was a secondary data analysis using the data set that was collected from the original RDAD-NW translational study between 2012 and 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0 and the qualitative description strategies were used to analyze the data. The RDAD-NW program was conducted with 255 dyads in six rural and four urban communities, with an overall participation rate of 68.9% and a 58.8% adoption rate. There was a total of 140 dyads (54.9%) still remaining in the program at the 13th month of the study period. After the study period ended, four AAAs indicated in their area plans that they continued to offer the RDAD program. Fidelity-monitoring strategies included interventionist training and certification, session audits, program checklists for the session monitoring, ongoing supervision, and periodic newsletters. The study found that the RDAD-NW intervention is an implementable multicomponent program that has the potential to help community-dwelling residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia as well as their caregivers. Future research is needed to address the issue of inconsistency in reporting content across the five RE-AIM categories and to develop a universal fidelity-monitoring measurement which can be utilized in the translational studies. KEYWORDS: RE-AIM, dementia caregiving, behavioral intervention, translational