Be EPIC: Person-Centered Communication Training

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Be EPIC is an innovative, evidence-informed and theoretically-grounded person-centered communication intervention for frontline care providers who work with persons living with dementia. It focuses on:
  • Assessing the [E]nvironment
  • Using [P]erson-centered communication
  • Focusing on client relationships ([I] matter too)
  • Incorporating the [C]lient’s abilities, life history and preferences during routine care.
Be EPIC’s content focuses on identifying person-centered communication and language strategies that support such communication, and using person-centered communication to support activities of daily living, to engage in meaningful activities, and to prevent and address responsive behaviors. Informed by social cognitive theory, Be EPIC’s delivery includes: self-monitoring, supervised practice with simulated persons with dementia, and feedback/support from peers, simulated persons with dementia, and trainers.

Why Be EPIC-VR?

To support scaling and sustainability, we have developed Be EPIC-VR, a virtual reality (VR) version of Be EPIC. It was created with over two years of development, testing, and revision to ensure an optimal training experience.

Be EPIC-VR incorporates cutting-edge technology, including conversational artificial intelligence and natural language processing. Learners engage in real-time conversations with virtual avatars, promoting immersive and realistic communication experiences.

To learn more about the Be EPIC-VR program, watch this video:


Publications

The CARE Lab has conducted extensive research to (1) gather evidence that supports the development of Be EPIC and (2) assess the effectiveness and feasibility of Be EPIC as a training tool for frontline care providers.

To view our publications related to Be EPIC, please click here.

Voices of Be EPIC and Be EPIC-VR Participants

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