Relational Design for Dementia and Job Significance (ReDeSign): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an online dementia training for retail workers

BACKGROUND: The need for dementia training for retail workers has been recognized by dementia-friendly initiatives. However, evidence for dementia training in non-healthcare workplaces is lacking, and dissemination is challenging due to constraints on private companies' time and finances. The online training program ReDeSign (Relational Design for Dementia and Job Significance) applies mobile micro-learning methods and Relational Design Theory against time and financial constraints, respectively, and is designed to improve work-related outcomes. METHODS: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of ReDeSign with a randomized controlled trial. One hundred and twenty-four convenience store workers in Tokyo will be recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. ReDeSign consists of four contents relevant to the job: simulation games, lectures and quizzes, virtual contacts, and information about benefits to others. Self-reported surveys will be conducted for individual workers at baseline, one month later, and three months later. ReDeSign will be delivered to workers in the intervention (n = 62) and control (n = 62) groups immediately after the baseline survey and after the one-month survey, respectively. The primary outcome is the change of attitude toward people with dementia, and the secondary outcomes are dementia knowledge, helping behavior, job satisfaction, workers’ intention to stay, and persistence. DISCUSSION: ReDeSign provides dementia training to convenience store workers and contributes to developing an inclusive community for people with dementia. The results of this study may provide a new strategy for the dissemination of dementia training in non-healthcare workplaces.