An online learning resource in support of the recruitment of people living with dementia and their carers to research

Although the number of people diagnosed with dementia is increasing globally, it is estimated that only 2% are engaged in dementia research in the UK. In part, this may be due to a lack of confidence on the part of health and social care professionals to discuss research opportunities. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses. To support conversations about research, an interactive e-learning course was developed, comprising four modules to increase Admiral Nurses’ confidence to discuss research opportunities and participation with people with dementia and their family/carers. An evaluation of the course sought to understand if such a course increased Admiral Nurses’ confidence in discussing research opportunities with families affected by dementia and to promote their registration with the Join Dementia Research register. The authors used the Kirkpatrick model to evaluate the pilot of the e-learning course, which consists of four levels: reaction (level 1), learning (level 2), change to behaviour (level 3) and impact (level 4), and embedded both quantitative and qualitative approaches to the evaluation. Twenty-one Admiral Nurses completed all four modules of the course. Their reaction (level 1) to the course was evaluated as positive on the course content and format. Confidence was rated pre- and post-course. Using Wilcoxon signed-rank test the authors found greater statistical significance (z=-4.01, P <0.001) in self-rated confidence to undertake conversations about research after the course than before. Change to behaviour (level 3) and impact (level 4) show promise but would require further consideration. The pilot evaluation showed positive outcomes, particularly in increasing Admiral Nurses’ confidence to discuss research with families affected by dementia.