A successful videoconference satellite program: Providing nutritional information on dementia to rural caregivers

A videoconference satellite program proved to be an effective method of dis tance education for rural caregivers seeking information on nutrition and d ementia. A team of specialists designed the 90-min program by implementing the components of successful videoconferencing: (a) defining the audience a nd their needs, (b) identifying key topics in the subject area, (c) designi ng an interactive program format, (d) coordinating activities at the downli nk sites, (e) promoting the program, and (f) evaluating the project. The ob jectives of the teleconference, discussed in this article, were to provide rural caregivers with up-to-date nutrition interventions, to create a local environment in which caregivers and providers could interact, and to asses s the general acceptance of videoconferencing as an educational medium in r ural Montana. A panel consisting of a narrator, a physician, an occupationa l therapist, and a registered dietitian, provided an overview of nutritiona l concerns, discussed problem-solving techniques, and answered questions. T wenty-three Montana communities hosted the KU/C satellite frequency band do wnlink program for both family and professional caregivers. The program was simultaneously broadcast on public television Program participants rated b oth program content and delivery method highly, and 100% of survey responde nts indicated that they would attend another teleconference.