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Haber T, Davies L, Hinman RS, Bennell KL, Bruce W, Jewell L, Borda A, Lawford BJ. 'It's especially good just to know that you're not the only one': a qualitative study exploring experiences with online peer support programmes for the Fragile X community. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024. [PMID: 39322618 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accessing peer support can be difficult for people with, or carers of people with, inherited intellectual disabilities. One way to improve access is to provide services online, yet few studies have explored people's experiences with online peer support programmes. We aimed to explore experiences with such programmes for communities affected by fragile X-associated conditions. METHODS Qualitative study involving individual semi-structured interviews with 16 people with, or carers of people with, a fragile X-associated condition (n = 4 adult premutation carriers; n = 12 parents/carers of children/adults), who participated in at least one of three online peer support programmes: educational webinars, Facebook discussion group and small peer group sessions via Zoom. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes. RESULTS Three overarching themes relating to experiences were as follows: (1) uncertainty and value of shared experiences, (2) support navigating healthcare, (3) advantages being online, but still a place for in-person events. Educational webinars were perceived to be a valuable source of information about fragile X-associated conditions although people had variable information needs. Facebook discussion groups enabled people to connect with others, although participants expressed some competing preferences for how the groups were organised. Zoom peer group sessions were perceived to help participants feel supported by others, but that consistency in organisation was important. CONCLUSIONS Online peer support programmes were perceived to be beneficial, bridging informational gaps and facilitating social connection. However, participants believed there was still a place for in-person events, some felt educational webinars did not always meet their needs and some had privacy concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Haber
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Davies
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R S Hinman
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K L Bennell
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - W Bruce
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - L Jewell
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Borda
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - B J Lawford
- Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Denham AMJ, Haracz K, Simpson D, Bird ML, Mabotuwana N, Janssen H. Caring for yourself while you care for someone else: a qualitative study exploring the mental and cardiovascular health behaviours of female carers of stroke survivors. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39235424 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2399229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Female carers of stroke survivors may experience increased risk of developing chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. This study aims to understand: (i) how female carers of stroke survivors manage their mental and cardiovascular health and (ii) the characteristics they would find helpful in an intervention to support their ability to manage their health and wellbeing. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used with data collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Eighteen female carers of stroke survivors participated in the study. Three key themes were identified: (i) struggling to prioritise own health and wellbeing; (ii) new roles and responsibilities impact on self-care; and (iii) peer-support improves mental health and well-being. Carers described preferences for group interventions to include peer support and have flexible delivery to allow easy access to information. One-to-one sessions with different health professionals may also be useful at times through the caregiving journey. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that current interventions do not address cardiovascular risk self-management for female carers and provide insight into characteristics of interventions that may increase acceptability and feasibility of interventions to support long-term cardiovascular and mental health-promoting behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M J Denham
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - K Haracz
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - D Simpson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - M L Bird
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - N Mabotuwana
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - H Janssen
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Heart and Stroke Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Stroke Service, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, Australia
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3
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Kuo WY, Chen CY, Wang J, Wang CM, Chen MC, Chang TY. Evaluating the combination of in-person and electronic social networking services for family caregivers of stroke survivors: A quasi-experimental analysis. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024. [PMID: 39187961 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of health interventions delivered via a combination of in-person and electronic social networking services for caregivers of stroke survivors remains uncertain. This study evaluates the feasibility of implementing educational and peer support programs for these caregivers through such platforms. DESIGN Quasi-experimental design. METHODS This study included 105 caregiver-survivor dyads, with 54 dyads allocated to the intervention group and the remaining 51 to the control group. The LINE intervention comprised a combination of in-person and electronic social networking services including stroke and rehabilitation education, problem-solving skills training, long-term care information support, and 24-h peer and professional support for caregivers. The outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 1 month, and after 3 months, and encompassed caregivers' care burden, depressive symptoms, perceived social support, and quality of life, as well as the rehabilitation adherence and depressive symptoms of stroke survivors. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine group differences. The data were collected between August 2021 and October 2022. RESULTS The average age of the caregivers was 48.3 years. Caregivers in the intervention group reported reduced care burdens and enhanced perceptions of social support and quality of life as compared to those in the control group. Additionally, stroke survivors in the intervention group were less likely to exhibit high-risk depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Delivering a stroke caregiver support intervention via in-person and electronic social networking services, such as LINE, effectively reduced the care burden for caregivers of stroke survivors. Additionally, it enhanced caregivers' perceived social support and quality of life. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrated that caregiver education and peer support programs administered through a combination of in-person and electronic social networking services can serve as an effective support system for the psychosocial health of stroke caregivers. These findings support the integration of such interventions into standard clinical practice by healthcare providers or governmental bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yu Kuo
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Geriatric and Long-Term Care Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yin Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung Medical Education Research Centre, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institution of Rehabilitation, School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jeng Wang
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Geriatric and Long-Term Care Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Man Wang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chi Chen
- Biostatistics Consulting Center and Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health and Biostatistics Consulting Center, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Section, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Tsang WN, Lee JJ, Yang SC, Poon JCY, Lau EYY. Stroke caregivers' perception on instant messaging application use for psychological intervention: a qualitative study. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:1208-1221. [PMID: 38528430 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2024.2332925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
In caring for patients with stroke, the leading cause of death and disability affecting over 80 million people worldwide, caregivers experience substantial psychological and physical burdens and difficulties in help-seeking owing to physical and time-constraints. Social distancing measures imposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic further restricted them from using caregiver support services. While the use of telehealth emerged as a global prevailing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence for utilising instant messaging (IM) applications for psychological intervention is scanty. This study aimed to explore stroke caregivers' perceived potential utility of IM-delivered psychological intervention. Between January and August 2020, 36 adult family stroke caregivers in Hong Kong were recruited to individual telephone semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an interpretive description approach. Three themes of caregivers' perceptions towards IM-delivered psychological intervention emerged: perceived high convenience and ease of use, perceived advantages that overcome existing barriers to services and message delivery tailored to individual needs. Our findings suggested that there is an imminent need among stroke caregivers for personalised psychological interventions and that IM is a potential modality for overcoming existing barriers in delivering accessible support to caregivers in real-time, real-world settings. Our study highlighted caregivers' acceptance and perceived benefits of IM-delivered psychological intervention and provided practical insights into the design of IM-delivered psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Nga Tsang
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Sook Ching Yang
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joan Chung Yan Poon
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
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Folder N, Power E, Rietdijk R, Christensen I, Togher L, Parker D. The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad095. [PMID: 37439771 PMCID: PMC10949353 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad095] [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] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focused on formal carers. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of CPT for families of people with dementia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The systematic review included intervention/protocol studies on dementia CPT for families, excluding formal carers and programs not focused on communication. CINAHL, PsycINFO, SpeechBITE, Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase were searched between November 30 and December 6, 2021. After deduplication, 3,172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilized three reporting tools, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, and content analysis. RESULTS Of 30 studies (27 programs), there were 10 quasi-experimental, 5 RCTs, 4 mixed methods, 4 case studies, 4 qualitative, and 2 protocols. Studies were published between 1998 and 2021 and included 671 family members. Characteristics varied with 7/27 programs including consumers during creation and one program including telehealth. One study included all reporting tool criteria. Programs typically used 4 intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing 3 behavior change areas. 33/74 outcome measures targeted the "Environment" of the person with dementia. Studies showed positive improvements in communication skills and knowledge, with mixed results on behavior/psychosocial outcomes. Qualitative results identified improvements in conversation and attitudes. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS CPT for families improves communication outcomes, however, quality of studies varied significantly. Future research should address gaps in telehealth, consumer involvement, and intervention descriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Folder
- Faculty of Health, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Power
- Faculty of Health, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael Rietdijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iben Christensen
- Department of Nordic Studies and Linguistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
| | - Leanne Togher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- Faculty of Health, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Dale J, Nanton V, Day T, Apenteng P, Bernstein CJ, Grason Smith G, Strong P, Procter R. Uptake and Use of Care Companion, a Web-Based Information Resource for Supporting Informal Carers of Older People: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e41185. [PMID: 37733406 PMCID: PMC10556998 DOI: 10.2196/41185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal carers play a major role in supporting relatives and friends who are sick, disabled, or frail. Access to information, guidance, and support that are relevant to the lives and circumstances of carers is critical to carers feeling supported in their role. When unmet, this need is known to adversely affect carer resilience and well-being. To address this problem, Care Companion was co-designed with current and former carers and stakeholders as a free-to-use, web-based resource to provide access to a broad range of tailored information, including links to local and national resources. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the real-world uptake and use of Care Companion in 1 region of England (with known carer population of approximately 100,000), with local health, community, and social care teams being asked to actively promote its use. METHODS The study had a convergent parallel, mixed methods design and drew on the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. Data included metrics from carers' use of Care Companion, surveys completed by users recruited through general practice, and interviews with carers and health and social care providers regarding their views about Care Companion and their response to it. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Interview data were analyzed thematically and synthesized to create overarching themes. The qualitative findings were used for in-depth exploration and interpretation of quantitative results. RESULTS Despite awareness-raising activities by relevant health, social care, and community organizations, there was limited uptake with only 556 carers (0.87% of the known carer population of 100,000) registering to use Care Companion in total, with median of 2 (mean 7.2; mode 2) visits per registered user. Interviews with carers (n=29) and stakeholders (n=12) identified 7 key themes that influenced registration, use, and perceived value: stakeholders' signposting of carers to Care Companion, expectations about Care Companion, activity levels and conflicting priorities, experience of using Care Companion, relevance to personal circumstances, social isolation and networks, and experience with digital technology. Although many interviewed carers felt that it was potentially useful, few considered it as being of direct relevance to their own circumstances. For some, concerns about social isolation and lack of hands-on support were more pressing issues than the need for information. CONCLUSIONS The gap between the enthusiastic views expressed by carers during Care Companion's co-design and the subsequent low level of uptake and user experience observed in this evaluation suggests that the co-design process may have lacked a sufficiently diverse set of viewpoints. Numerous factors were identified as contributing to Care Companion's level of use, some of which might have been anticipated during its co-design. More emphasis on the development and implementation, including continuing co-design support after deployment, may have supported increased use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Dale
- Academic Primary Care Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Nanton
- Academic Primary Care Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Theresa Day
- Academic Primary Care Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Apenteng
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Celia Janine Bernstein
- Academic Primary Care Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Strong
- Centre for Complexity Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Procter
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Kirvalidze M, Abbadi A, Dahlberg L, Sacco LB, Morin L, Calderón-Larrañaga A. Effectiveness of interventions designed to mitigate the negative health outcomes of informal caregiving to older adults: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068646. [PMID: 37085312 PMCID: PMC10124259 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This umbrella review aimed to evaluate whether certain interventions can mitigate the negative health consequences of caregiving, which interventions are more effective than others depending on the circumstances, and how these interventions are experienced by caregivers themselves. DESIGN An umbrella review of systematic reviews was conducted. DATA SOURCES Quantitative (with or without meta-analyses), qualitative and mixed-methods systematic reviews were included. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Reviews were considered eligible if they met the following criteria: included primary studies targeting informal (ie, unpaid) caregivers of older people or persons presenting with ageing-related diseases; focused on support interventions and assessed their effectiveness (quantitative reviews) or their implementation and/or lived experience of the target population (qualitative reviews); included physical or mental health-related outcomes of informal caregivers. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A total of 47 reviews were included, covering 619 distinct primary studies. Each potentially eligible review underwent critical appraisal and citation overlap assessment. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and cross-checked. Quantitative review results were synthesised narratively and presented in tabular format, while qualitative findings were compiled using the mega-aggregation framework synthesis method. RESULTS The evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions on physical and mental health outcomes was inconclusive. Quantitative reviews were highly discordant, whereas qualitative reviews only reported practical, emotional and relational benefits. Multicomponent and person-centred interventions seemed to yield highest effectiveness and acceptability. Heterogeneity among caregivers, care receivers and care contexts was often overlooked. Important issues related to the low quality of evidence and futile overproduction of similar reviews were identified. CONCLUSIONS Lack of robust evidence calls for better intervention research and evaluation practices. It may be warranted to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches to intervention design. Primary care and other existing resources should be leveraged to support interventions, possibly with increasing contributions from the non-profit sector. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021252841; BMJ Open: doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Kirvalidze
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ahmad Abbadi
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lena Dahlberg
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Lawrence B Sacco
- Stress Research Institute, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lucas Morin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Inserm CIC 1431, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
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McLoughlin B, Atherton H, MacArtney J, Dale J. Online support groups for carers of people living with dementia: An investigation of videoconferencing support groups in lockdown. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:561-575. [PMID: 36656067 PMCID: PMC10009327 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231153431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the experiences of carers of people living with dementia who participated in videoconferencing support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate their preferences and experiences with online, hybrid, and face-to-face support. METHODS This convergent mixed methods design study utilised an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Interviews took place over videoconferencing software and were analysed through thematic analysis. Participants were recruited from support groups based in the UK and Ireland. RESULTS 39 carers of people living with dementia completed the questionnaire and 16 carers participated in interviews. Participants found videoconferencing support groups more convenient, but face-to-face groups more enjoyable. Participants who had found it difficult to access face-to-face groups prior to COVID-19 expressed more positive perceptions of videoconference-based groups. Many felt that hybrid groups would make it easier for more people to attend. However, some carers described lacking the resources and technological skills to participate in online support groups effectively. Some suggested making IT training available may improve the capacity of carers to access support online. CONCLUSION Videoconferencing support groups can be an appropriate way of supporting carers of people with dementia, especially for those who do not have access to face-to-face support groups. However, face-to-face support remains important to carers and should be made available when it can be implemented safely. Hybrid support groups could allow for increased accessibility while still providing the option of face-to-face contact for those who prefer it or are not adept with technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany McLoughlin
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, 2707University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Atherton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, 2707University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - John MacArtney
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, 2707University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, 2707University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Kelly KJ, Doucet S, Luke A, Azar R, Montelpare W. Experiences, Motivations, and Perceived Impact of Participation in a Facebook-Based Support Group for Caregivers of Children and Youth With Complex Care Needs: Qualitative Descriptive Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 5:e33172. [PMID: 35793139 PMCID: PMC9301556 DOI: 10.2196/33172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of children and youth with complex care needs (CCNs) often require considerable support to ensure the well-being of their families. Social media present an opportunity to better support caregivers through computer-mediated communication for social support. Peer-to-peer (P2P) support groups are a way in which caregivers are accessing needed support; however, the experiences of caregivers who use these groups and the perceived impact that participation has on caregivers of children and youth with CCNs are not known. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of children and youth with CCNs who use a Facebook-based P2P support group to communicate, understand their motivations to use the group, and investigate its perceived impact on knowledge of programs and services and sense of community belonging among caregivers. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore the experiences and perceived impact of a Facebook-based (Meta Platforms) P2P support group for caregivers of children and youth with CCNs in New Brunswick, Canada. The group was launched on the web in October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and resulted in 108 caregivers joining the group. A web-based survey was distributed, and semistructured interviews were conducted in February 2021 with a subsample of members. Thematic analysis was used to identify and report patterns related to caregivers' experiences and perceived impacts of participation. RESULTS A subsample of members in the Facebook group completed the web-based survey (39/108, 36.1%) and interviews (14/108, 12.9%). A total of 5 themes emerged from the interviews: safe space, informational support and direction, web-based connection with peers, impact on knowledge of programs and services, and degree of community belonging. Participants reported joining the group to obtain geography-specific information support and connect with peers. Many participants reported an improvement in their knowledge of programs and services and felt connected to the community; however, the short observation period and diversity among the caregiver population were cited as barriers to community belonging. CONCLUSIONS Social media present an important opportunity to facilitate the exchange of support between patients and caregivers in an accessible and curated environment. Findings from this study suggest that involvement in web-based, geography-specific P2P support groups can influence perceived knowledge of services and resources and sense of community belonging among caregivers of children and youth with CCNs. Furthermore, this study provides insight into the experiences and motivations of caregivers of children and youth with CCNs who participate in a private social media environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Jennifer Kelly
- Health Centred Research Clinic, Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Shelley Doucet
- Centre for Research in Integrated Care, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Alison Luke
- Centre for Research in Integrated Care, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Rima Azar
- Psychobiology of Stress & Health Lab, Department of Psychology, Mount Alison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - William Montelpare
- Health Centred Research Clinic, Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
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Biliunaite I, Kazlauskas E, Sanderman R, Andersson G. Process Evaluation of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Informal Caregivers. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:725510. [PMID: 34869422 PMCID: PMC8632733 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.725510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Informal caregivers are individuals who provide care for ill, frail, or otherwise dependent family members, siblings, or friends. Due to the caregiving demands, informal caregivers are known to experience negative mental health symptoms, such as stress or anxiety. Interventions based on Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) principles have been previously found to be effective for different populations and could also be considered as a plausible support option for informal caregivers. However, findings regarding effectiveness alone might not be sufficient for informing about the overall feasibility of the intervention. Objective: The aim of this process evaluation study was to evaluate the feasibility of a previously developed ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania. More specifically, we evaluated the suitability of the intervention in relation to its content and delivery mode. Methods: Two studies were conducted. Study 1 consisted of participant evaluations of an 8-week, 8-module long therapist supported ICBT intervention. Evaluations for the Study 1 were retrieved from previously unused data, obtained from pilot testing of the intervention in which 63 informal caregivers took part. The evaluations contained of qualitative data (participant comments), as well as quantitative data (evaluations of each of the sessions). The Study 2 was an online stakeholder focus-group discussion conducted via Zoom. Eight stakeholders took part in the discussion, among whom there were social workers, medical professionals as well as individuals with caregiving experience themselves. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and data coding. Results: Results of the Study 1 showed that most of the pilot randomized controlled trial participants evaluated content and format of the intervention positively. These results were complemented by the findings in the Study 2, in which stakeholders evaluated the intervention as suitable and promising. In addition, stakeholders made certain suggestions for improving the intervention's usability for the informal caregivers. This included improving the instructions, providing with more guidance, and considering personalization options. Conclusion: The process evaluation helped to evaluate the feasibility of the ICBT intervention for informal caregivers in Lithuania from the two perspectives: users and stakeholders. Our findings suggest that the intervention is suitable for the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Biliunaite
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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