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Zhu D, Al Mahmud A, Liu W. Digital Storytelling Intervention for Enhancing the Social Participation of People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Co-Design and Usability Study. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e54138. [PMID: 38231541 PMCID: PMC10831696 DOI: 10.2196/54138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based social participation has shown promise in delaying cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are at risk of developing dementia. Although group storytelling interventions have proven effective, the need for a skilled workforce to support people with MCI can limit broader community implementation. Technology-based interventions may offer a solution to this limitation by replicating the abilities of therapists. OBJECTIVE This study aims to co-design a digital storytelling intervention and evaluate its usability. METHODS This co-design process involved 3 stages, engaging people with MCI (n=12), their caregivers (n=4), and therapists (n=5) in Beijing, China. In the first stage, we used card sorting and voting methods to identify potential incentives for social participation and target the specific abilities that people with MCI wanted to enhance. In the second stage, we conducted brainstorming sessions with people with MCI and their caregivers to identify the potential features of a digital storytelling application named Huiyou ("meeting new friends" in Chinese). Finally, we assessed Huiyou's usability with people with MCI and therapists, leading to iterative improvements based on the usability findings. RESULTS We uncovered a crucial link between boosting the self-confidence of people with MCI and their ability to address social participation challenges. Notably, we identified memory improvement and enhanced language expression as key factors for effective communication with grandchildren. Subsequently, participants suggested features and interfaces to address these challenges, leading to the development of Huiyou, a group-based digital storytelling application featuring functions such as generating story materials, conducting memory retrieval activities, and sharing stories. It received an "excellent" rating in the User Experience Questionnaire benchmark, displaying high levels of attractiveness, dependability, stimulation, and novelty. People with MCI achieved an average task completion rate of 87% (n=19; SD 0.13) of the 22 tasks. However, feedback from people with MCI and therapists highlighted usability issues in navigation, activity management, user interface, and feature optimization, indicating a need for improved accessibility and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS The co-design approach contributed to developing the Huiyou prototype, supporting community-based social participation. User feedback highlighted the potential of Huiyou to enhance well-being and facilitate meaningful social interactions while maintaining crucial existing relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhu
- Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Centre for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Abdullah Al Mahmud
- Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wei Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Centre for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Henderson J, Reid C. Virtual collaborative creative engagement in a pandemic world: creative connection for older adults with lived experience of dementia. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1223337. [PMID: 38162191 PMCID: PMC10754963 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1223337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Older adults were disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and isolation and loneliness became key risk factors for mental illness and decreased quality of life. Older adults with lived experience of dementia and their care partners experienced isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression, already heightened due to social stigma. Reduced access to resources was a notable problem. Objective This Canadian qualitative study investigates the Raising the Curtain on the Lived Experience of Dementia (RTC) Project's virtual turn in program delivery during the pandemic, asking "How did virtual collaborative creative engagement (CCE) impact well-being for people living with dementia and their care partners?"; and "What are key elements of RTC's unique virtual CCE approach?" Methods The study employs reflexive thematic analysis to analyse interviews and focus groups with the project's artist facilitators, researchers, peer collaborators living with dementia, and their care partners. Findings: Themes describe key elements of RTC's unique approach to virtual CCE and include: "Adjusting Expectations and Adapting to Technology"; "Re-imagining Creative Engagement in Virtual Space"; "Sustaining Reciprocal Caring, Learning, and Support"; "Disrupting Stigma and Welcoming a Wider Audience"; and "Supporting Well-being through Empowerment, Community, and Creativity." Discussion Findings offer new perspectives on how virtual CCE not only has the potential to decrease loneliness and isolation and associated mental health risks for older adults living with dementia and their care partners, but also can work to disrupt stigmatizing representations of dementia, promote inclusion, and enhance citizenship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Henderson
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Colleen Reid
- Department of Therapeutic Recreation, Douglas College, Coquitlam, BC, Canada
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Wiseman L, Isbel S, Boag A, Halpin-Healy C, Gibson D, Bail K, Noble JM, D'Cunha NM. Online gallery facilitated art activities for people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A narrative review. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:1950-1976. [PMID: 37647250 PMCID: PMC10644691 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231198748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Art activities for people with dementia have a range of therapeutic benefits including psychosocial wellbeing and enhanced quality of life. Successful art programs promote social engagement, are inclusive and empowering, and enable opportunity for people with dementia to express themselves verbally and non-verbally. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing precautions have impacted the capacity of art galleries and museums to deliver in-person programs. However, they have also provided a new opportunity. This paper explores the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions for research relating to the online delivery of gallery-facilitated art activities for people with dementia. The evidence revealed that increased digitisation of programs increased access for participants, however, the majority of the research was published before the pandemic. Nevertheless, COVID-19 has necessitated many museums and galleries to engage with people with dementia online. Future research is needed to improve the usability of online delivery platforms and a comparison of online and onsite delivery is recommended, particularly to evaluate benefits to people living in rural and remote areas where access to museums and galleries may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Wiseman
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Ageing Research Group, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Stephen Isbel
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Ageing Research Group, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Adriane Boag
- National Gallery of Australia, Parkes, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Diane Gibson
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Ageing Research Group, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Kasia Bail
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Ageing Research Group, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - James M Noble
- Arts and Minds, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathan M D'Cunha
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Ageing Research Group, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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Chang H, Do Y, Ahn J. Digital Storytelling as an Intervention for Older Adults: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1344. [PMID: 36674100 PMCID: PMC9859096 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The population of older adults is rapidly increasing worldwide. Owing to fewer interactions between generations, older adults experience ageism and various psychological issues, such as depression and loneliness. Digital storytelling (DST) has the potential to share vivid lived experiences, support the forming of social relationships, and lead to improved well-being. This scoping review examines the potential psychosocial benefits of individual DST interventions for older adults and people with dementia. We adopted the methodological framework for scoping reviews outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) manual. A scoping review was performed using the following bibliographic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Research Information Sharing Service, and National Assembly Library. There were 395 references retrieved, of which 19 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our findings revealed that the most common effects of DST on older adults included the promotion of mental health, an increased amount of meaningful community connections, greater digital literacy, the mitigation of negative ageism, and enhanced intellectual ability. We suggest randomized controlled trials are conducted to confirm the efficacy of intergenerational DST intervention and the effects of DST interventions at multilevel outcomes, including the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- HeeKyung Chang
- College of Nursing, Gerontologic Health Research Center in Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si 52727, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungJoo Do
- College of Nursing, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si 52727, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - JinYeong Ahn
- Gerontologic Health Research Center in Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si 52727, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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Zou C, Harvard A, Qian J, Fox BI. A systematic review of digital health technologies for the care of older adults during COVID-19 pandemic. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231191050. [PMID: 37529545 PMCID: PMC10388634 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231191050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, digital health technologies (DHTs) became increasingly important, especially for older adults. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the rapid implementation and use of DHTs among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A structured, electronic search was conducted on 9 November 2021, and updated on 5 January 2023, among five databases to select DHT interventional studies conducted among older adults during the pandemic. The bias of studies was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Results Among 20 articles included in the review, 14 (70%) focused on older adults with chronic diseases or symptoms, such as dementia or cognitive impairment, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. DHTs included traditional telehealth interventions via telephone, video, and social media, as well as emerging technologies such as Humanoid Robot and Laser acupuncture teletherapy. Using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, four studies (20%) were evaluated as high or serious overall risk of bias. DHTs have shown to be effective, feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to usual care. In addition, some studies also highlighted challenges with technology, hearing difficulties, and communication barriers within the vulnerable population. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, DHTs had the potential to improve various health outcomes and showed benefits for older adults' access to health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zou
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Abbey Harvard
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jingjing Qian
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Brent I Fox
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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