A culturally tailored iSupport model for dementia carers: study protocol for a hybrid type I randomised controlled trial

Background Carers of people living with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experience persistent inequities in access to, and engagement with, dementia education and support services. These inequities arise from multiple service-level and systemic barriers and contribute to poorer health and wellbeing outcomes for both carers and people with dementia. Addressing these gaps remains a priority for equitable aged care. This study protocol describes an implementation science study designed to embed a culturally tailored iSupport model within routine aged care services to reduce these inequities. Objective This study aims to implement a culturally tailored iSupport model within routine aged care services and to evaluate its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation strategies. Design A pragmatic, multicentre, hybrid type 1 effectiveness–implementation randomised controlled trial. Setting(s) This study will be undertaken in community aged care settings managed by seven ethno-specific aged care organisations located in three states in Australia. Participants Carers of people with dementia from seven culturally and linguistically diverse groups will be recruited to the study (n = 150). Methods Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the usual care control group (n = 75 per group). Participants in the intervention group will receive a culturally tailored iSupport model comprising facilitator-enabled carer psychoeducation using the iSupport for Dementia program and case studies, peer support, needs-based service navigation, and coaching delivered in carers’ preferred language and cultural context. The intervention will be delivered over 12 months. The usual care group will be directed to Dementia Australia resources and the iSupport program website only. Primary outcomes will include quality of life for carers and for people with dementia (measured via proxy reporting). Secondary outcomes will be carers’ self-efficacy, perceived social support, and reactions to changed behaviours in care recipients; changed behaviours in care recipients and their experiences of care services (proxy measures); and cost-effectiveness using a cost–utility analysis framework. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. A process evaluation will be embedded within the trial to examine implementation strategies and influencing factors, using mainly interviews with carers and focus groups with staff at 6 and 12 months. Registration www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12625000587404. Registered 5 June 2025. Not yet recruiting.