EVALUATING A COMMUNITY-BASED REABLEMENT PROGRAM IN TAIWAN - A CLUSTER RCT AND USING THE RE-AIM FRAMEWORK

Sep 29, 2026

A county-level community-based reablement program in central Taiwan is evaluated through a cluster randomized controlled trial with 231 older-adult dyads and their family caregivers from nine adult day centers. The study assesses pilot efficacy and scalability using the RE-AIM framework. The experimental group received three months of intensive individualized and group training delivered by therapists and care assistants, while controls received group-only training. Results show improved daily-activity performance hours and slight balance benefits, with no significant ADL/IADL, cognitive, caregiver-burden, or mastery changes; implementation fidelity and staff attitudes support feasibility, while sustained funding, incentives, and workforce support remain challenges.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study objectives

Trial design and participants

Intervention and control condition

Outcomes and findings

RE-AIM evaluation and implementation considerations

Feasibility, challenges, and scalability

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 719 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2447 EVALUATING A COMMUNITY-BASED REABLEMENT PROGRAM IN TAIWAN: A CLUSTER RCT AND USING THE RE-AIM FRAMEWORK Hsiao-Wei Yu1, Yen-Po Yeh2, and Ya-Mei Chen3, 1. National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China), 2. Changhua County Public Health Bureau, Changhua City, Changhua County, Taiwan (Republic of China), 3. National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China) This study introduces a community-based reablement program implemented at the county level in central Taiwan using a cluster randomized controlled trial. The study has two objectives: (1) to evaluate the efficacy of the pilot program and (2) to explore its scalability using the RE-AIM framework. The pilot trial recruited 231 dyads of older adults and their family caregivers from nine adult day centers. The experimental group received a three-month intensive individualized and group-based reablement training delivered by a collaborative team of therapists and care assistants, while the control group received only group-based training. Preliminary findings indicate significant improvements in the number of hours spent performing daily activities and slight benefits in balance among participants in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, no significant changes were observed in ADLs, IADLs, cognitive function, caregiver burden, or mastery. The RE-AIM framework provides a structured approach to assess the program’s generalizability and long-term feasibility. Most staff involved in the program expressed positive attitudes toward reablement training, emphasizing its potential to enhance independence. Implementation fidelity was supported by a standardized training protocol and well-trained therapists and care assistants. Additionally, outer setting consultants played a crucial role in maintaining fidelity and providing guidance to adult day centers. However, challenges remain, including the need for sustained funding and continuous incentives to support program expansion. The increased workload among care assistants delivering reablement training also highlights the importance of resource allocation and workforce support for successful integration into routine care.

FAQs

What were the study’s two main objectives?

To evaluate the pilot program’s efficacy and to explore its scalability using the RE-AIM framework.

How did the experimental and control groups differ?

The experimental group received three months of intensive individualized and group-based reablement training, while the control group received only group-based training.

Which outcomes showed significant or slight improvements?

Participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in hours spent performing daily activities and slight benefits in balance, compared with the control group.

What implementation challenges were identified for program expansion?

Sustained funding and continuous incentives are needed, and the increased workload for care assistants highlights the importance of resource allocation and workforce support.

Sep 29, 2026

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