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Talbot CV, Roe D, Anderson JG, Donnellan WJ, Wilson SA, O'Dwyer ST. Unpaid carers' experiences of supporting people with dementia to use social media. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:977-984. [PMID: 38217299 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2301725] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore unpaid carers' experiences of supporting people with dementia to use social media.Methods: Unpaid carers (n = 234) responded to an online survey about their attitudes towards people with dementia using social media and any experiences supporting this usage. Responses to closed questions were analysed using frequency analysis; qualitative data were analysed thematically.Results: Fifty-five carers (23.5%) cared for someone with dementia who used social media. Thematic analysis produced four themes: (1) carers as social media navigators; (2) social media supports care; (3) carers as social media guardians; and (4) labour-intensive work. Carers valued the social connectivity and stimulation social media provided but remained vigilant about online safety. They carefully managed the online experiences of people with dementia, balancing perceived benefits with safety, security, and caring demands.Conclusions: These findings shed light on the complexities of caring in the digital age. Many carers are supporting people with dementia in using social media, but there is little guidance on how best to do this. As older adults continue to embrace social media, carers, support organisations, and policymakers must adapt and work with technology developers to ensure safe and supportive online experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy Roe
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Joel G Anderson
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Samantha A Wilson
- Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
- Department of Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Siobhan T O'Dwyer
- Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Ackland PE, Hagedorn HJ, Kenny ME, Salameh HA, Kehle-Forbes SM, Gustavson AM, Karimzadeh LE, Meis LA. Using brief reflections to capture and evaluate end-user engagement: a case example using the COMPASS study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:103. [PMID: 38698315 PMCID: PMC11065677 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02222-5] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of participatory research methods is increasing in research trials. Once partnerships are established with end-users, there is less guidance about processes research teams can use to successfully incorporate end-user feedback. The current study describes the use of a brief reflections process to systematically examine and evaluate the impact of end-user feedback on study conduct. METHODS The Comparative Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused and Non-Trauma- Focused Treatment Strategies for PTSD among those with Co-Occurring SUD (COMPASS) study was a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy versus non-trauma-focused psychotherapy for Veterans with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder who were entering substance use treatment within the Department of Veterans Affairs. We developed and paired a process of "brief reflections" with our end-user engagement methods as part of a supplemental evaluation of the COMPASS study engagement plan. Brief reflections were 30-minute semi-structured discussions with the COMPASS Team following meetings with three study engagement panels about feedback received regarding study issues. To evaluate the impact of panel feedback, 16 reflections were audio-recorded, transcribed, rapidly analyzed, and integrated with other study data sources. RESULTS Brief reflections revealed that the engagement panels made recommended changes in eight areas: enhancing recruitment; study assessment completion; creating uniformity across Study Coordinators; building Study Coordinator connection to Veteran participants; mismatch between study procedures and clinical practice; therapist skill with patients with active substance use; therapist burnout; and dissemination of study findings. Some recommendations positively impact study conduct while others had mixed impact. Reflections were iterative and led to emergent processes that included revisiting previously discussed topics, cross-pollination of ideas across panels, and sparking solutions amongst the Team when the panels did not make any recommendations or recommendations were not feasible. CONCLUSIONS When paired with end-user engagement methods, brief reflections can facilitate systematic examination of end-user input, particularly when the engagement strategy is robust. Reflections offer a forum of accountability for researchers to give careful thought to end-user recommendations and make timely improvements to the study conduct. Reflections can also facilitate evaluation of these recommendations and reveal end-user-driven strategies that can effectively improve study conduct. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04581434) on October 9, 2020; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04581434?term=NCT04581434&draw=2&rank=1 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Princess E Ackland
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Hildi J Hagedorn
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2312 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, Seattle Division, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Marie E Kenny
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Hope A Salameh
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Shannon M Kehle-Forbes
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 South Huntington Street, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Allison M Gustavson
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Leyla E Karimzadeh
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Laura A Meis
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 South Huntington Street, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
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Brunner M, Rietdijk R, Summers K, Southwell K, Avramovic P, Power E, Miao M, Rushworth N, MacLean L, Brookes AM, Togher L. 'It gives you encouragement because you're not alone': A pilot study of a multi-component social media skills intervention for people with acquired brain injury. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:543-558. [PMID: 36417179 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) find it challenging to use social media due to changes in their cognition and communication skills. Using social media can provide opportunities for positive connection, but there is a lack of interventions specifically designed to support safe and successful social media use after ABI. AIMS To investigate the outcomes of completing a social media skills intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for future implementation. METHODS & PROCEDURES The study used a mixed-methods, pre-post-intervention design. A total of 17 adults with an ABI were recruited. Participants completed an intervention that included a short self-guided course about social media skills (social-ABI-lity course), and then participated in a private, moderated Facebook group over a 12-week period (social-ABI-lity Facebook group). Data were collected over this period through observation of group activity and weekly surveys. They were also collected on social media use and quality of life at pre-intervention, post-intervention and after 3 months. Participants provided feedback on the experience of participating in the programme via a post-intervention interview. OUTCOMES & RESULTS At post-intervention, there were significant improvements in confidence in using Facebook (p = 0.002) and enjoyment of using Facebook to connect with others (p = 0.013). There was no significant change in reported quality of life, although participants described the multiple benefits of connection they perceived from involvement in the group. Observational data and feedback interviews were informative about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS This pilot study provided preliminary evidence that an intervention comprising a short, self-guided training course and a private, moderated Facebook group improved outcomes for people with ABI. Key recommendations for future implementation include embedding active peer moderators within groups and taking an individualized approach to delivery of the intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Research has documented the challenges that people with ABI experience in using social media, and the difficulty for rehabilitation clinicians in providing appropriate support in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This pilot study reports the outcomes of people with ABI completing a short, self-guided social media skills course and participating in a private, moderated Facebook group. After the intervention, participants reported significantly increased confidence and enjoyment in using Facebook, described the benefits of connection found in the groups, and suggested potential improvements for future implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? With the growing use of social media for connection and participation, there is a professional obligation to address social media communication skills in cognitive-communication rehabilitation for people with ABI. The findings of this study will inform interventions and future research to assist people with ABI to build their social media skills for communication, social support and a sense of connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Brunner
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael Rietdijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kylie Southwell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Avramovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Power
- Graduate School of Health, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Miao
- Graduate School of Health, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Liza MacLean
- Insurance and Care NSW (icare), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Leanne Togher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lord K, Zimmerman J, Duff MC, Brown-Schmidt S. Memory for social media images following traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2023; 37:1334-1344. [PMID: 37902249 PMCID: PMC10842253 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2023.2272902] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE An emerging body of research examines the role of computer-mediated communication in supporting social connection in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We examine the cognitive impacts of engaging with images posted to social media for persons with moderate-severe TBI. RESEARCH DESIGN Prior work shows that after viewing social media posts, adults have better memory for posts when they generate a comment about the post. We examined if persons with TBI experience a memory benefit for commented-upon social media images similar to non-injured comparison participants. METHODS AND PROCEDURES 53 persons with moderate-to-severe TBI and 52 non-injured comparison participants viewed arrays of real social media images and were prompted to comment on some of them. After a brief delay, a surprise two-alternative forced choice recognition memory test measured memory for these images. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Persons with TBI remembered social media images at above-chance levels and experienced a commenting-related memory boost much like non-injured comparison participants. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to a growing literature on the potential benefits of social media use in individuals with TBI and point to the benefits of active engagement for memory in social media contexts in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Lord
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
| | - Jordan Zimmerman
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
- Harvard University, Department of Psychology
| | - Melissa C. Duff
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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