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Background: This study aimed to explore the experiences of carers of people living with dementia who participated in videoconferencing support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate their preferences and experiences with online, hybrid, and face-to-face support. Methods: This convergent mixed methods design study utilised an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Interviews took place over videoconferencing software and were analysed through thematic analysis. Participants were recruited from support groups based in the UK and Ireland. Results: 39 carers of people living with dementia completed the questionnaire and 16 carers participated in interviews. Participants found videoconferencing support groups more convenient, but face-to-face groups more enjoyable. Participants who had found it difficult to access face-to-face groups prior to COVID-19 expressed more positive perceptions of videoconference-based groups. Many felt that hybrid groups would make it easier for more people to attend. However, some carers described lacking the resources and technological skills to participate in online support groups effectively. Some suggested making IT training available may improve the capacity of carers to access support online. Conclusion: Videoconferencing support groups can be an appropriate way of supporting carers of people with dementia, especially for those who do not have access to face-to-face support groups. However, face-to-face support remains important to carers and should be made available when it can be implemented safely. Hybrid support groups could allow for increased accessibility while still providing the option of face-to-face contact for those who prefer it or are not adept with technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While studies have evaluated caregiver outcomes in heart failure, the burden and support needs when caring for someone with advanced heart failure at the end of life have yet to be outlined. Aim: To identify psychosocial factors associated with caregiver burden and evaluate the support needs of caregivers in advanced heart failure. Design: A sequential mixed methods study comprising two phases: (1) postal survey with advanced heart failure patients and their caregivers and (2) interviews with current and bereaved caregivers. Correlation, chi-square, t test, regression and thematic analysis were undertaken on the data. Participants: Advanced heart failure patients (n = 112) and their caregivers (n = 84) were recruited from secondary care settings across the United Kingdom and Ireland. For phase 2 interviews, current caregivers (n = 20) were purposively recruited from phase 1, and bereaved caregivers (n = 10) were purposively recruited via voluntary organisation, social media and email. Results: More than half the caregivers (53%) had levels of distress associated with depression (Zarit Burden score >24). Caregiver depression score, preparedness for caregiving and patients' depression score predicted caregiver burden. Qualitative analysis identified an overarching theme of lack of future care planning and four subthemes: (1) seeking emotional support from someone who understands, (2) want information on prognostication, (3) lack of knowledge on how to and where to get support and (4) require knowledge on what to expect at the end of life. Conclusion: Caregivers have unmet needs and feel unprepared for the future. Implementation of future care planning by clinical teams should address patient and caregiver support needs and in turn alleviate caregiver burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]