Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability among older adults, with increasing caregiver and health care burdens. Palliative care (PC) can improve quality of life (QOL) and reduce nonbeneficial care, yet persons living with dementia (PLWD) remain underserved.
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary impact of a Telehealth-Facilitated Integrated Palliative Care (TIPC) model for PLWD and their caregivers.
Methods:
A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 51 PLWD and caregivers (22 intervention, 19 control). The intervention included up to two telehealth visits guided by the Serious Illness Conversation Guide. Outcomes included health care utilization, QOL, and caregiver burden at baseline and up to 12 months.
Results:
The intervention group had significantly fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations but no differences in QOL or caregiver burden.
Conclusion:
The TIPC model is feasible and may reduce health care utilization among PLWD; larger studies are warranted.
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