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Caetano P, Querido A, Laranjeira C. Preparedness for Caregiving Role and Telehealth Use to Provide Informal Palliative Home Care in Portugal: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1915. [PMID: 39408095 PMCID: PMC11475420 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12191915] [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: 08/10/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing occurrence of long-term illnesses, it is imperative to focus on adequately preparing and assisting those who assume the responsibility of caregiving. Our study aims to explore whether caregivers feel prepared to provide informal palliative home care, their experiences, and the usefulness of telehealth in managing daily activities. Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative research design and a purposeful sampling technique, thirteen primary family caregivers who provide informal palliative home care were recruited. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face individual interviews conducted from May 2023 to July 2023. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Caregivers were mainly female (n = 8) with a mean age of 59.5 years (SD = 9.42). Based on our findings, three overarching themes emerged: (1) becoming a caregiver, (2) support-from-home palliative care team, and (3) telehealth in palliative home care. The reasons that influence the preparedness of family caregivers include their own desires, health conditions, their range of responsibilities, and the consequences that arise from the situation's complexity. Telehealth helps fulfill the patient's wishes to be at home in EoL and provides caregivers with access to professional guidance and support. Conclusions: Specialized home-based palliative care teams must be aware of caregivers' self-assurance, knowledge, skills, and aptitudes in carrying out daily responsibilities and in managing emotions to improve preparedness for caregiving, loss, and its aftermath. The provision of professional PC services in the home along with a robust support system for informal caregivers is invaluable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Caetano
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Campus 2, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (P.C.); (A.Q.)
- Centro de Saúde de Ourém, Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Leiria, Rua Dr. Armando Henrique dos Reis Vieira, 2490-546 Ourém, Portugal
| | - Ana Querido
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Campus 2, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (P.C.); (A.Q.)
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua das Olhalvas, 2414-016 Leiria, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Campus 2, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; (P.C.); (A.Q.)
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua das Olhalvas, 2414-016 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
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van Lonkhuizen PJC, Heemskerk AW, Meijer E, van Duijn E, de Bot ST, Klempir J, Landwehrmeyer GB, Mühlbäck A, Hoblyn J, Squitieri F, Chavannes NH, Vegt NJH. Development of the Huntington Support App (HD-eHelp study): a human-centered and co-design approach. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1399126. [PMID: 39011363 PMCID: PMC11246862 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1399126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction eHealth seems promising in addressing challenges in the provision of care for Huntington's disease (HD) across Europe. By harnessing information and communication technologies, eHealth can partially relocate care from specialized centers to the patients' home, thereby increasing the availability and accessibility of specialty care services beyond regional borders. Previous research on eHealth (development) in HD is however limited, especially when it comes to including eHealth services specifically designed together with HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and their partners to fit their needs and expectations. Methods This article describes the qualitative human-centered design process and first evaluations of the Huntington Support App prototype: a web-app aimed to support the quality of life (QoL) of HDGECs and their partners in Europe. Prospective end-users, i.e., HDGECs, their partners, and healthcare providers (HCPs), from different countries were involved throughout the development process. Through interviews, we captured people's experiences with the disease, quality of life (QoL), and eHealth. We translated their stories into design directions that were further co-designed and subsequently evaluated with the user groups. Results The resulting prototype centralizes clear and reliable information on the disease, HD-related news and events, as well as direct contact possibilities with HCPs via an online walk-in hour or by scheduling an appointment. The app's prototype was positively received and rated as (very) appealing, pleasant, easy to use and helpful by both HDGECs and partners. Discussion By involving end-users in every step, we developed a healthcare app that meets relevant needs of individuals affected by HD and therefore may lead to high adoption and retention rates. As a result, the app provides low-threshold access to reliable information and specialized care for HD in Europe. A description of the Huntington Support App as well as implications for further development of the app's prototype are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl J C van Lonkhuizen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
| | - Anne-Wil Heemskerk
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
| | - Eline Meijer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Erik van Duijn
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
| | - Susanne T de Bot
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jiri Klempir
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Alzbeta Mühlbäck
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Huntington-Zentrum-Süd, Klinik Taufkirchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Hoblyn
- St. John of God Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ferdinando Squitieri
- Huntington and Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Research Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Centro Malattie Neurologiche Rare (CMNR), Italian League for Research on Huntington (LIRH) Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Niels H Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Niko J H Vegt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Warr R, Ruggiano N, Daquin J, Anderson Herzog M, Jiang Z, Gray J. Health Information Seeking Using Tech and Non-Tech Sources Among a Diverse Sample of Caregivers in the Deep South. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:605-620. [PMID: 38662939 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2339960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD) are often tasked with making decisions about their loved one's daily care and healthcare treatment, causing stress and decision-making fatigue. Many caregivers engage in health information seeking to improve their health literacy for optimal decision-making, though there is limited knowledge about the strategies used to increase their health literacy. This study involved a survey of caregivers in Alabama, most of whom were African American and/or living in rural communities that have historically underserved. The findings shed light on caregivers' experiences in seeking out health-related information and their perceptions of various sources of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Retisha Warr
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Nicole Ruggiano
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jane Daquin
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Monica Anderson Herzog
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Zhe Jiang
- Computer & Information Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeff Gray
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Fernandez Cajavilca M, Sadarangani T. Dementia-literate informal caregivers: An evolutionary concept analysis. Nurs Outlook 2024; 72:102224. [PMID: 38905740 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102224] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous concept analyses have not conceptualized an evidence-based definition of the concept of dementia literacy. METHODS Rodger's evolutionary method was used to conceptualize dementia literacy among informal caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the United States. A comprehensive search across four databases and a thorough review process resulted in 22 relevant articles between 2011 and 2023. DISCUSSION Dementia literacy is defined as the ability to acquire dementia-related knowledge to inform decision-making, self-identify gaps in caregiving support, and secure access to necessary resources to enable long-term care, all while maintaining relationships with an interdisciplinary team of specialized providers. CONCLUSION The nursing profession can promote dementia literacy by recognizing the needs of racial and ethnic groups, the complexity of culture and language, and being mindful of potential implicit bias toward informal caregivers who are working diligently to be prepared and proactive for PLWD.
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Kelley MM, Powell T, Camara D, Shah N, Norton JM, Deitelzweig C, Vaidy N, Hsiao CJ, Wang J, Bierman AS. Mobile Health Apps, Family Caregivers, and Care Planning: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e46108. [PMID: 38781588 PMCID: PMC11157180 DOI: 10.2196/46108] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) face substantial challenges in planning and coordinating increasingly complex care. Family caregivers provide important assistance for people with MCCs but lack sufficient support. Caregiver apps have the potential to help by enhancing care coordination and planning among the health care team, including patients, caregivers, and clinicians. OBJECTIVE We aim to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence on the development and use of caregiver apps that support care planning and coordination, as well as to identify key factors (ie, needs, barriers, and facilitators) related to their use and desired caregiver app functionalities. METHODS Papers intersecting 2 major domains, mobile health (mHealth) apps and caregivers, that were in English and published from 2015 to 2021 were included in the initial search from 6 databases and gray literature and ancestry searches. As per JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) Scoping Review guidelines and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews), 2 authors independently screened full texts with disagreements resolved by a third author. Working in pairs, the authors extracted data using a pilot-tested JBI extraction table and compared results for consensus. RESULTS We identified 34 papers representing 25 individual studies, including 18 (53%) pilot and feasibility studies, 13 (38%) qualitative studies, and 2 experimental or quasi-experimental studies. None of the identified studies assessed an intervention of a caregiver app for care planning and coordination for people with MCCs. We identified important caregiver needs in terms of information, support, and care coordination related to both caregiving and self-care. We compiled desired functionalities and features enabling apps to meet the care planning and care coordination needs of caregivers, in particular, the integration of caregiver roles into the electronic health record. CONCLUSIONS Caregiver needs identified through this study can inform developers and researchers in the design and implementation of mHealth apps that integrate with the electronic health record to link caregivers, patients, and clinicians to support coordinated care for people with MCCs. In addition, this study highlights the need for more rigorous research on the use of mHealth apps to support caregivers in care planning and coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie M Kelley
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tia Powell
- Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Djibril Camara
- Credence Management Solution, USAID Global Health Technical Professionals, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Neha Shah
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jenna M Norton
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Nivedha Vaidy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chun-Ju Hsiao
- Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Arlene S Bierman
- Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, United States
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Zhou Y, Bai Z, Wan K, Qin T, He R, Xie C. Technology-based interventions on burden of older adults' informal caregivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:398. [PMID: 38704539 PMCID: PMC11070124 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05018-w] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of technologies are provided to reduce the burden of older adults' informal caregivers. However, less is known about the effects and the mechanism of technology to work on burden. This review is to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based interventions (TBI) in alleviating the burden of older adults' informal caregivers and to distinguish its effective mechanism via group disparities. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials studies (RCTs) has been conducted. Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WANFANG, CNKI, CQVIP databases, Cochrane Library Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for trial studies and registry in both English and Chinese published from January 1990 to October 2022. Reviewers independently screened the articles and trials, conducted quality assessments, and extracted the data. All processes were guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Risk of bias of the studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Systematic Review Handbook. The meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.13. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, publication bias were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 11,095 RCTs were initially screened, and 14 trials representing 1010 informal caregivers were included finally. This review proved TBI effective in reducing caregiving burden older adults. Subgroup analysis showed effects of TBI differed by interventions on control group and medical conditions of care recipients. CONCLUSION TBI is an effective way to alleviate the burden on informal caregivers of aging people. Interventions for control groups and medical conditions of care-recipients are significant factors in effective interventions. Future researches could include more trials with high-quality or to explore more targeted aging groups, modalities of TBI, or caregiver outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021277865].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China.
- The Evidence-Based Research Center of Social Science & Health, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhenggang Bai
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Evidence-Based Research Center of Social Science & Health, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Keyan Wan
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tianyi Qin
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chengdan Xie
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200, Xiaolingwei District, Nanjing, 210094, Jiangsu Province, China
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Ye B, Chu CH, Bayat S, Babineau J, How TV, Mihailidis A. Researched Apps Used in Dementia Care for People Living With Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers: Systematic Review on App Features, Security, and Usability. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46188. [PMID: 37824187 PMCID: PMC10603562 DOI: 10.2196/46188] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that mobile apps have the potential to serve as nonpharmacological interventions for dementia care, improving the quality of life of people living with dementia and their informal caregivers. However, little is known about the needs for and privacy aspects of these mobile apps in dementia care. OBJECTIVE This review seeks to understand the landscape of existing mobile apps in dementia care for people living with dementia and their caregivers with respect to app features, usability testing, privacy, and security. METHODS ACM Digital Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Compendex, Embase, Inspec, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched. Studies were included if they included people with dementia living in the community, their informal caregivers, or both; focused on apps in dementia care using smartphones or tablet computers; and covered usability evaluation of the app. Records were independently screened, and 2 reviewers extracted the data. The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine critical appraisal tool and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool were used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Thematic synthesis was used, and the findings were summarized and tabulated based on each research aim. RESULTS Overall, 44 studies were included in this review, with 39 (89%) published after 2015. In total, 50 apps were included in the study, with more apps developed for people living with dementia as end users compared with caregivers. Most studies (27/44, 61%) used tablet computers. The most common app feature was cognitive stimulation. This review presented 9 app usability themes: user interface, physical considerations, screen size, interaction challenges, meeting user needs, lack of self-awareness of app needs, stigma, technological inexperience, and technical support. In total, 5 methods (questionnaires, interviews, observations, logging, and focus groups) were used to evaluate usability. There was little focus on the privacy and security aspects, including data transfer and protection, of mobile apps for people living with dementia. CONCLUSIONS The limitations of this review include 1 reviewer conducting the full-text screening, its restriction to studies published in English, and the exclusion of apps that lacked empirical usability testing. As a result, there may be an incomplete representation of the available apps in the field of dementia care. However, this review highlights significant concerns related to the usability, privacy, and security of existing mobile apps for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The findings of this review provide a valuable framework to guide app developers and researchers in the areas of privacy policy development, app development strategies, and the importance of conducting thorough usability testing for their apps. By considering these factors, future work in this field can be advanced to enhance the quality and effectiveness of dementia care apps. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020216141; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=216141. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1159/000514838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Ye
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charlene H Chu
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sayeh Bayat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Tuck-Voon How
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Mihailidis
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lee T, Seohyun K, Park S. Mobile health applications for communication between caregivers of community-dwelling older adults: A scoping review. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 52:172-180. [PMID: 37356295 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.06.011] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
It is unclear how mobile health (mHealth) technology can be used for monitoring and communication between caregivers with spatial constraints. This systematic scoping review identifies the characteristics, functions, facilitators, and barriers of mHealth used for communication between various types of caregivers for older adults. Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology, all published peer-reviewed and grey literature indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 2012 to April 2022 were reviewed. Sixteen of 854 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggested mHealth was primarily used for monitoring older adults' health, educating about home care, alerting about emergencies, communicating with family members or health providers, and GPS-based location tracking. Responsibility for older adults and willingness to use facilitated usage, while old age-related challenges, illiteracy, lack of technical skills, and cell phone size and Internet connectivity-related limitations impeded it. These findings can help researchers and care providers design better mHealth solutions to provide families with real-time information on older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taewha Lee
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Mo Im Kim Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Seohyun
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Mo Im Kim Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunhee Park
- College of Nursing, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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Brown EL, Ruggiano N, Allala SC, Clarke PJ, Davis D, Roberts L, Framil CV, Muñoz MTH, Hough MS, Bourgeois MS. Developing a Memory and Communication App for Persons Living With Dementia: An 8-Step Process. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e44007. [PMID: 36920462 PMCID: PMC10131779 DOI: 10.2196/44007] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.3928/19404921-20210825-02.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Brown
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nicole Ruggiano
- School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Sai Chaithra Allala
- Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Peter J Clarke
- Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Debra Davis
- Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Lisa Roberts
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - C Victoria Framil
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Monica Strauss Hough
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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M. Kokorelias K, Liu Z, L. Hitzig S. Understanding implementation characteristics in navigation programs for persons living with dementia and their caregivers: A scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARE COORDINATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20534345231151208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Dementia care is often fragmented and un-coordinated. As the number of individuals living with dementia increases worldwide, navigation programs are a way to help counter difficulties with navigating and accessing services by better integrating care for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. While navigation programs are increasingly being used, it is not clear how to best implement such programs in North America and abroad. Methods Following Arskey and O’Malley's (2006) scoping review methodology and theoretically informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, this paper explored existing navigational programs used in dementia care to identify factors to consider when implementing these programs across different settings. Results Twenty-two articles were included in this review. Our findings suggest that there is a high degree of variability with how navigation programs are being delivered and no clearly established or standardized protocol to implement such programs. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified as they relate to (1) Complexity (Intervention Characteristics); (2) Patient and Caregiver Needs (Outer Setting); (3) External Policies (Outer Setting); (4) Available Resources (Inner Setting) (5) Communication (Inner Setting); (6) Culture (Inner Setting); (7) Leadership Engagement (Inner Setting); (8) Knowledge and Beliefs ( Characteristics of Individuals); (9) Champions (Process) and (10) Evaluation (Process). Discussion Combined, the findings from this review provide suggestions for implementing navigation in the context of dementia care and suggest several pragmatic considerations (e.g. available resources) when implementing new navigation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M. Kokorelias
- St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoe Liu
- St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sander L. Hitzig
- St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Perez H, Miguel-Cruz A, Daum C, Comeau AK, Rutledge E, King S, Liu L. Technology Acceptance of a Mobile Application to Support Family Caregivers in a Long-Term Care Facility. Appl Clin Inform 2022; 13:1181-1193. [PMID: 36257602 PMCID: PMC9771689 DOI: 10.1055/a-1962-5583] [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: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers are unpaid individuals who provide care to people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Family caregivers generally do not have formal care-related training. However, they are an essential source of care. Mobile technologies can benefit family caregivers by strengthening communication with care staff and supporting the monitoring of care recipients. OBJECTIVE We conducted a mixed-method study to evaluate the acceptance and usability of a mobile technology called the Smart Care System. METHODS Using convenience sampling, we recruited 27 family caregivers to evaluate the mobile Smart Care System (mSCS). In the quantitative phase, we administered initial and exit questionnaires based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. In the qualitative phase, we conducted focus groups to explore family caregivers' perspectives and opinions on the usability of the mSCS. With the quantitative data, we employed univariate, bivariate, and partial least squares analyses, and we used content analysis with the qualitative data. RESULTS We observed a high level of comfort using digital technologies among participants. On average, participants were caregivers for an average of 6.08 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.63), and their mean age was 56.65 years (SD = 11.62). We observed a high level of technology acceptance among family caregivers (7.69, SD = 2.11). Behavioral intention (β = 0.509, p-value = 0.004) and facilitating conditions (β = 0.310, p-value = 0.049) were statistically significant and related to usage behavior. In terms of qualitative results, participants reported that the mobile application supported care coordination and communication with staff and provided peace of mind to family caregivers. CONCLUSION The technology showed high technology acceptance and intention to use among family caregivers in a long-term care setting. Facilitating conditions influenced acceptance. Therefore, it would be important to identify and optimize these conditions to ensure technology uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Perez
- Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonio Miguel-Cruz
- Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Research, Innovation & Technology (GRRIT) Hub, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christine Daum
- Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aidan K. Comeau
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily Rutledge
- Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharla King
- Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lili Liu
- Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Together they shall not fade away: Opportunities and challenges of self-tracking for dementia care. Inf Process Manag 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ipm.2022.103024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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Garnett A, Northwood M, Ting J, Sangrar R. Mobile Health Interventions to Support Caregivers of Older Adults: An Equity-Focused Systematic Review. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e33085. [PMID: 35616514 PMCID: PMC9308083 DOI: 10.2196/33085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers, hereafter referred to as caregivers, provide support to older adults so that they can age safely at home. The decision to become a caregiver can be influenced by individual factors, such as personal choice, or societal factors such as social determinants of health, including household income, employment status, and culture-specific gender roles. Over time, caregivers’ health can be negatively affected by their caregiving roles. Although programs exist to support caregivers, the availability and appropriateness of services do not match caregivers’ expressed needs. Research suggests that supportive interventions offered through mobile health (mHealth) technologies have the potential to increase caregivers’ access to supportive services. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the extent to which social determinants of health are considered in the design, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth interventions intended to support the caregivers of older adults. Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to determine how health equity is considered in the design, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth interventions for caregivers of older adults using Cochrane Equity’s PROGRESS-Plus (place of residence, race, ethnicity, culture, language, occupation, gender, religion, education, social capital, socioeconomic status–plus age, disability, and sexual orientation) framework and synthesize evidence of the impacts of the identified caregiver-focused mHealth interventions. Methods A systematic review was conducted using 5 databases. Articles published between January 2010 and June 2021 were included if they evaluated or explored the impact of mHealth interventions on the health and well-being of informal caregivers of older adults. mHealth interventions were defined as supportive services, for example, education, that caregivers of older adults accessed via mobile or wireless devices. Results In total, 28 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The interventions evaluated sought to connect caregivers with services, facilitate caregiving, and promote caregivers’ health and well-being. The PROGRESS-Plus framework factors were mainly considered in the results, discussion, and limitations sections of the included studies. Some PROGRESS-Plus factors such as sexual orientation, religion, and occupation, received little to no consideration across any phase of the intervention design, implementation, or evaluation. Overall, the findings of this review suggest that mHealth interventions were positively received by study participants. Such interventions have the potential to reduce caregiver burden and positively affect caregivers’ physical and mental health while supporting them as caregivers. The study findings highlight the importance of making support available to help facilitate caregivers’ use of mHealth interventions, as well as in the use of appropriate language and text. Conclusions The successful uptake and spread of mHealth interventions to support caregivers of older adults will depend on creating opportunities for the inclusive involvement of a broad range of stakeholders at all stages of design, implementation, and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garnett
- Western University, FIMS Nursing Building, Rm 2306, London, CA
| | | | - Justine Ting
- Western University, FIMS Nursing Building, Rm 2306, London, CA
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14
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Guessi Margarido M, Shah A, Seto E. Smartphone applications for informal caregivers of chronically ill patients: a scoping review. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:33. [PMID: 35314766 PMCID: PMC8938465 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMobile-health applications can be used to deliver timely and personalized health information to family and friends of chronically ill adults living in the community. This scoping review aims to investigate the nature and extent of native smartphone applications for informal caregivers. Six databases were searched for articles on applications across ten chronic conditions, namely heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive respiratory disease, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and mood or anxiety disorders. In total, 36 articles were included, encompassing 26 applications. Of these, smartphone applications were designed for use only by caregivers (n = 15), with a few applications also intended to be used with patients (n = 5), healthcare providers (n = 4), or all three roles (n = 2). Most applications targeted a single chronic condition (n = 25), with Alzheimer’s and other dementia being the most common (n = 18). Only one application was designed for management of multiple chronic conditions. Long-term evaluation methods are needed to continually assess the impact of applications on a range of process and health outcomes, such as usability, caregiver burden, and quality of life. Additional directions to advance native smartphone applications for caregivers are discussed, including personalization and expansion of eligibility criteria.
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15
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Moberg C, Grundberg Å, Konradsen H, Kallström AP, Leung AY, Kabir ZN. Meeting own needs and supporting ability to care: Family caregivers' and health care professionals' perspectives on professional support provided through a potential mobile application. DEMENTIA 2022; 21:1120-1134. [PMID: 35300535 DOI: 10.1177/14713012211065313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A majority of persons with dementia in Sweden live in their own homes and are often cared for by family members. Caring for a family member may be a positive experience. It may, however, also be a negative experience as symptoms like disturbing behavior and delusions may be difficult to encounter. The burden of being a family caregiver has been shown to affect the caregivers' quality of life. OBJECTIVE To explore stakeholders' perspectives on a potential mobile application through which family caregivers could be supported by healthcare professionals in caring for a person with dementia living at home. METHOD Eight individual interviews with family caregivers and a focus group with eight healthcare professionals specialized in dementia care were analyzed using content analysis method. RESULTS The findings suggest that a mobile application can support family caregivers to meet their own needs in terms of finding structure in everyday life, how to get information and support in their own pace, and how to care for themselves. The findings also suggest the necessity of accessing relevant contact networks to be supported in the ability to care for a family member with dementia. CONCLUSION Healthcare and social services mediated support provided through user-friendly mobile application has the potential to support family caregivers both in taking care of a person with dementia and caring for themselves. Moreover, it is important that the information provided to family caregivers is personalized according to the needs of the family caregivers as the family member's dementia advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Moberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, NVS, 27106Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åke Grundberg
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, LIME, 27106Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanne Konradsen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, 4321University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark; Department of Gastroenterology, Herley and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ana Paula Kallström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, NVS, 27106Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angela Ym Leung
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, 105806The Hong Kong Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Zarina N Kabir
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, NVS, 27106Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Brown EL, Ruggiano N, Roberts L, Clarke PJ, Davis DL, Agronin M, Geldmacher DS, Hough MS, Muñoz MTH, Framil CV, Yang X. Integration of Health Information Technology and Promotion of Personhood in Family-Centered Dementia Care: Intervention Trial. Res Gerontol Nurs 2021; 14:225-234. [PMID: 34542347 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20210825-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) often result in communication deficits that can lead to negative health outcomes as well as complications for caregiving and clinical care. Although augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices have demonstrated efficacy in assisting persons living with dementia (PLWD) in communicating, few devices offer customization for the person's care preferences (e.g., clothing, food, activities) or are designed for integration into clinical care and caregiving. To address this issue, our research team is developing a novel electronic AAC prototype with a touchscreen to promote communication and personhood for PLWD. The current article describes the development of this technology and uses the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) 2013 Statement to describe the clinical trial that is planned to test its efficacy. TARGETS PLWD and their care partners. INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION Use of AAC Plus to promote communication and personhood for PLWD. MECHANISMS OF ACTION AAC Plus will provide PLWD and care partners a way to communicate PLWD's daily preferences and provide clinical data for health care providers. OUTCOMES Determine whether enhanced communication of daily preferences of PLWD will improve quality of life of PLWD and their care partners. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04571502 (Date of registration October 1, 2020). [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(5), 225-234.].
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17
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van Lonkhuizen PJC, Vegt NJH, Meijer E, van Duijn E, de Bot ST, Klempíř J, Frank W, Landwehrmeyer GB, Mühlbäck A, Hoblyn J, Squitieri F, Foley P, Chavannes NH, Heemskerk AW. Study Protocol for the Development of a European eHealth Platform to Improve Quality of Life in Individuals With Huntington's Disease and Their Partners (HD-eHelp Study): A User-Centered Design Approach. Front Neurol 2021; 12:719460. [PMID: 34589047 PMCID: PMC8476232 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.719460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that affects the quality of life (QoL) of HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and their partners. Although HD expertise centers have been emerging across Europe, there are still some important barriers to care provision for those affected by this rare disease, including transportation costs, geographic distance of centers, and availability/accessibility of these services in general. eHealth seems promising in overcoming these barriers, yet research on eHealth in HD is limited and fails to use telehealth services specifically designed to fit the perspectives and expectations of HDGECs and their families. In the European HD-eHelp study, we aim to capture the needs and wishes of HDGECs, partners of HDGECs, and health care providers (HCPs) in order to develop a multinational eHealth platform targeting QoL of both HDGECs and partners at home. Methods: We will employ a participatory user-centered design (UCD) approach, which focusses on an in-depth understanding of the end-users' needs and their contexts. Premanifest and manifest adult HDGECs (n = 76), partners of HDGECs (n = 76), and HCPs (n = 76) will be involved as end-users in all three phases of the research and design process: (1) Exploration and mapping of the end-users' needs, experiences and wishes; (2) Development of concepts in collaboration with end-users to ensure desirability; (3) Detailing of final prototype with quick review rounds by end-users to create a positive user-experience. This study will be conducted in the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, and Ireland to develop and test a multilingual platform that is suitable in different healthcare systems and cultural contexts. Discussion: Following the principles of UCD, an innovative European eHealth platform will be developed that addresses the needs and wishes of HDGECs, partners and HCPs. This allows for high-quality, tailored care to be moved partially into the participants' home, thereby circumventing some barriers in current HD care provision. By actively involving end-users in all design decisions, the platform will be tailored to the end-users' unique requirements, which can be considered pivotal in eHealth services for a disease as complex and rare as HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl J. C. van Lonkhuizen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
| | - Niko J. H. Vegt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eline Meijer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Erik van Duijn
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Susanne T. de Bot
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jiří Klempíř
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Wiebke Frank
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Jennifer Hoblyn
- Bloomfield Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ferdinando Squitieri
- Huntington and Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Research Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Peter Foley
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Niels H. Chavannes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anne-Wil Heemskerk
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Huntington Center Topaz Overduin, Katwijk, Netherlands
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18
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Kim E, Baskys A, Law AV, Roosan MR, Li Y, Roosan D. Scoping review: the empowerment of Alzheimer's Disease caregivers with mHealth applications. NPJ Digit Med 2021; 4:131. [PMID: 34493819 PMCID: PMC8423781 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative chronic diseases. As it progresses, patients become increasingly dependent, and their caregivers are burdened with the increasing demand for managing their care. Mobile health (mHealth) technology, such as smartphone applications, can support the need of these caregivers. This paper examines the published academic literature of mHealth applications that support the caregivers of AD patients. Following the PRISMA for scoping reviews, we searched published literature in five electronic databases between January 2014 and January 2021. Twelve articles were included in the final review. Six themes emerged based on the functionalities provided by the reviewed applications for caregivers. They are tracking, task management, monitoring, caregiver mental support, education, and caregiver communication platform. The review revealed that mHealth applications for AD patients' caregivers are inadequate. There is an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to fill the unmet need of these caregiver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Kim
- Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Andrius Baskys
- Western University of Health Sciences, College of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Anandi V Law
- Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Moom R Roosan
- Chapman University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Claremont Graduate University, School of Information Systems & Technology, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Don Roosan
- Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Pomona, CA, USA.
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19
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Mendez KJW, Budhathoki C, Labrique AB, Sadak T, Tanner EK, Han HR. Factors Associated With Intention to Adopt mHealth Apps Among Dementia Caregivers With a Chronic Condition: Cross-sectional, Correlational Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27926. [PMID: 34463637 PMCID: PMC8441609 DOI: 10.2196/27926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the United States, nearly 80% of family caregivers of people with dementia have at least one chronic condition. Dementia caregivers experience high stress and burden that adversely affect their health and self-management. mHealth apps can improve health and self-management among dementia caregivers with a chronic condition. However, mHealth app adoption by dementia caregivers is low, and reasons for this are not well understood. Objective The purpose of this study is to explore factors associated with dementia caregivers’ intention to adopt mHealth apps for chronic disease self-management. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, correlational study and recruited a convenience sample of dementia caregivers. We created a survey using validated instruments and collected data through computer-assisted telephone interviews and web-based surveys. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we recruited dementia caregivers through community-based strategies, such as attending community events. After nationwide closures due to the pandemic, the team focused on web-based recruitment. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Results Our sample of 117 caregivers had an average age of 53 (SD 17.4) years, 16 (SD 3.3) years of education, and 4 (SD 2.5) chronic conditions. The caregivers were predominantly women (92/117, 78.6%) and minorities (63/117, 53.8%), experienced some to extreme income difficulties (64/117, 54.7%), and were the child or child-in-law (53/117, 45.3%) of the person with dementia. In logistic regression models adjusting for the control variables, caregiver burden (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% CI 0.57-2.8; P=.57), time spent caregiving per week (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.77-3.9; P=.18), and burden of chronic disease and treatment (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.91-5.7; P=.08) were not significantly associated with the intention to adopt mHealth apps. In the final multiple logistic regression model, only perceived usefulness (OR 23, 95% CI 5.6-97; P<.001) and the interaction term for caregivers’ education and burden of chronic disease and treatment (OR 31, 95% CI 2.2-430; P=.01) were significantly associated with their intention to adopt mHealth apps. Perceived ease of use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.67-8.7; P=.18) and social influence (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.58-5.7; P=.31) were not significantly associated with the intention to adopt mHealth apps. Conclusions When designing mHealth app interventions for dementia caregivers with a chronic condition, it is important to consider caregivers’ perceptions about how well mHealth apps can help their self-management and which app features would be most useful for self-management. Caregiving factors may not be relevant to caregivers’ intention to adopt mHealth apps. This is promising because mHealth strategies may overcome barriers to caregivers’ self-management. Future research should investigate reasons why caregivers with a low education level and low burden of chronic disease and treatment have significantly lower intention to adopt mHealth apps for self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chakra Budhathoki
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alain Bernard Labrique
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tatiana Sadak
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth K Tanner
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hae Ra Han
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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20
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Dahms R, Eicher C, Haesner M, Mueller-Werdan U. Influence of Music Therapy and Music-Based Interventions on Dementia: A Pilot Study. J Music Ther 2021; 58:e12-e36. [PMID: 33948656 DOI: 10.1093/jmt/thab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
According to national dementia plan in many countries, the music implementation into the daily routine as an adjunctive therapy to medication treatment is common. However, the ability of long-term care facilities to implement individualized music therapy (MT) and music-based interventions is not sufficiently taken into account. This pilot study examined the frequency of use and acceptance of MT and technology-based music interventions (TBMI) as well as the influence of high and low usage of both interventions of dementia on behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) at two timepoints. Furthermore, the influence on the combination of MT and TBMI of dementia within the nursing home setting on BPSD with a focus on agitation, apathy, depression, and quality of life at all timepoints was considered. In the present study, data from 30 people with dementia (PwD) aged on average 81 years were analyzed within an eight-week noncontrolled intervention study, including four-week follow-up. Initial outcome data indicated significant decreases at times T2 and T3 in agitation and apathy among PwD with a high usage of MT and TBMI than among those with a low usage. In general, reductions were obtained from all observed BPSD at all timepoints. Significant results were found only for agitation over time. Considering the demonstrated results, a long-term implementation of music within daily routines in nursing homes for PwD should be strived for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dahms
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Kruse CS, Fohn J, Umunnakwe G, Patel K, Patel S. Evaluating the Facilitators, Barriers, and Medical Outcomes Commensurate with the Use of Assistive Technology to Support People with Dementia: A Systematic Review Literature. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E278. [PMID: 32824711 PMCID: PMC7551699 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Assistive technologies (AT) have been used to improve the daily living conditions of people living with dementia (PWD). Research supports the positive impact of the use of AT such as decreased burden on caregivers and behavioral support for people with dementia. Four reviews in the last six years have analyzed AT and PWD, but none have incorporated the dimension of medical outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to identify the facilitators, barriers, and medical outcomes commensurate with the use of AT with PWD. Method: This review queried The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed databases for peer-reviewed publications in the last five years for facilitators, barriers, and medical outcomes commensurate with the use of AT with PWD. The study is reported and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the Kruse Protocol for conducting a systematic review. Results: 48 studies were analyzed. Fourteen types of AT, 17 facilitators, 17 barriers, and 16 medical outcomes were identified in the literature. The two most frequently mentioned ATs were cognitive stimulators (9/48, 19%) and social robots (5/48, 10%). The two most frequently mentioned facilitators were caregivers want AT (8/68, 12%) and enables increased independence (7/68, 10%). The top two barriers were cost (8/75, 11%) and PWD reject AT (8/75, 11%). The top medical outcomes were improved cognitive abilities (6/69, 9%), increased activities of daily living (ADLs), and increased autonomy (each at 5/69, 7%): Zero negative outcomes were reported. Conclusion: The systematic review revealed the positive relations that occur when PWD and their caregivers use AT. Although many reservations surrounding the use of AT exist, a majority of the literature shows a positive effect of its use. Research supports a strong support for AT by caregivers due to many positive medical outcomes, but also a reticence to adopt by PWD. If ATs for PWD are a way to reduce stress on caregivers, barriers of cost and complexity need to be addressed through health policy or grants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Scott Kruse
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (J.F.); (G.U.); (K.P.); (S.P.)
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22
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Kristiansen S, Beck M, Kabir ZN, Konradsen H. Providing dementia care using technological solutions: An exploration of caregivers' and dementia coordinators' experiences. J Clin Nurs 2020; 31:1874-1883. [PMID: 32757399 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES To explore the experiences of caregivers of persons with dementia and dementia coordinators regarding their collaboration in care for a person with dementia and the feasibility of using technology in this collaboration. BACKGROUND Caregivers of persons with dementia have a significant risk of developing physical strain and psychological stress due to caregiver burden. Internationally, the use of technology is rapidly evolving in health care. Dementia coordinators employed in municipalities in Denmark support caregivers of persons with dementia, thus helping management of life with dementia. The cooperation between dementia coordinators and caregivers is essential, and the use of technology in everyday life is inevitable. METHODS A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was used. Data were derived from five focus group interviews in which 13 caregivers and 14 dementia coordinators participated. The participants' narratives were used to elucidate their experiences and attitudes, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study reports according to the COREQ checklist. RESULTS The analysis revealed three themes: the need for creating a safety net in everyday life, the need for moving together in the right direction and the need for handling technology while preserving relational interaction. CONCLUSIONS Technology might be used as a mediator to help ease some caregiving tasks or the burden of caregiving. However, technology is an area in which the caregivers must rely on their competences and initiatives. Even though the collaboration between caregivers and dementia coordinators was beneficial and supportive, dementia coordinators experienced technology as outside the core elements of their daily work. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE We suggest further discussion regarding who is best suited to support caregivers in making choices regarding which technologies to implement in caring for a person with dementia. If this discussion is not taken seriously, there is a risk of leaving caregivers in a technological quagmire.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malene Beck
- Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Section of Nursing Science, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zarina Nahar Kabir
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hanne Konradsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,NVS, Karolinska Instituttet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Peterson CM, Mikal JP, McCarron HR, Finlay JM, Mitchell LL, Gaugler JE. The Feasibility and Utility of a Personal Health Record for Persons With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers for Web-Based Care Coordination: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Aging 2020; 3:e17769. [PMID: 32589158 PMCID: PMC7381256 DOI: 10.2196/17769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Managing the complex and long-term care needs of persons living with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) can adversely impact the health of informal caregivers and their care recipients. Web-based personal health records (PHRs) are one way to potentially alleviate a caregiver’s burden by simplifying ADRD health care management Objective This study aimed to evaluate Personal Health Record for Persons with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers (PHR-ADRD), a free web-based information exchange tool, using a multiphase mixed methods approach. Methods Dementia caregivers (N=34) were surveyed for their well-being and perceptions of PHR-ADRD feasibility and utility at 6 and 12 months using close- and open-ended questions as well as a semistructured interview (n=8). Exploratory analyses compared participants’ characteristics as well as PHR-ADRD use and experiences based on overall favorability status. Results Feasibility and utility scores decreased over time, but a subset of participants indicated that the system was helpful. Quantitative comparisons could not explain why some participants indicated favorable, neutral, or unfavorable views of the system overall or had not engaged with PHR-ADRD. Qualitative findings suggested that technology literacy and primary care provider buy-in were barriers. Both qualitative and qualitative findings indicated that time constraints to learn and use the system affected most participants. Conclusions Development and dissemination of PHRs for family caregivers of persons with ADRD should aim to make systems user-friendly for persons with limited time and technological literacy. Establishing health care provider buy-in may be essential to the future success of any PHR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Peterson
- Division of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jude P Mikal
- Division of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Hayley R McCarron
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jessica M Finlay
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lauren L Mitchell
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System & University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joseph E Gaugler
- Division of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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24
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Efthymiou A, Papastavrou E, Middleton N, Markatou A, Sakka P. How Caregivers of People With Dementia Search for Dementia-Specific Information on the Internet: Survey Study. JMIR Aging 2020; 3:e15480. [PMID: 32427105 PMCID: PMC7268005 DOI: 10.2196/15480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, more research has focused on web-based interventions delivered to support caregivers of people with dementia. However, little information is available in relation to internet use among caregivers in general, especially those caring for people with dementia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the dementia-related internet use and factors that may be associated with its use among caregivers of people with dementia in Greece. METHODS Secondary data from the Greek Dementia Survey of the Athens Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders were collected from April to June 2017. A total of 580 caregivers of people with dementia participated in the study. RESULTS The majority of the caregivers reported that they had used the internet in the previous 3 months (84.1%, 488/580). Nearly half of the caregivers (47.5%, 276/580) reported that they had received dementia services online. Bivariate analysis showed that a dementia-specific search of information was associated with age, education, kinship, and years of care. Age (odds ratio [OR] 2.362, 95% CI 1.05-5.33) and education (OR 2.228, 95% CI 1.01-4.94) were confirmed as predictors, with younger caregivers and those with higher educational attainment being more likely to search for dementia-specific information. Use of the internet to search for dementia information was only related to hours of care. The internet use by caregivers within the previous 3 months was associated with variables such as age, education, occupation, kinship, years of care, and self-reported impact on physical and social health. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of people with dementia in Greece, as in the other southern European countries, are essential agents of the national health system. The existing short- and long-term respite care services are limited or nonexistent. Currently, caregivers receive mostly support and education from memory clinics and municipality consultation centers, which are mainly based in central cities in Greece. Despite the dementia awareness movement in Greece, there is still space to integrate the role of technology in the support and education of caregivers. Development of training programs for enhancing electronic health literacy skills as well as web-based services provision could support Greek caregivers in their everyday caring tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Efthymiou
- Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Nicos Middleton
- Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Paraskevi Sakka
- Athens Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Athens, Greece
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25
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Leslie M, Gray RP, Khayatzadeh-Mahani A. What is 'care quality' and can it be improved by information and communication technology? A typology of family caregivers' perspectives. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:220-232. [PMID: 32168399 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With governments worldwide reducing their involvement in the provision of institutional long-term elder care, community-based family caregivers (FCs) have become a key element in policies aimed at improving the quality of healthcare systems and maintaining their financial sustainability. This paper uses data from focus groups with FCs providing care to older adults to describe their approaches to and priorities for achieving care quality and sustainability as they work with formal health and social care systems. It describes FCs' views on information and communications technology (ICT) as potential supports for achieving these care quality and sustainability goals. METHODS We held 10 focus groups from May 2017 to August 2018 and recruited 25 FCs through a mix of convenience and snowball sampling strategies. We employed an inductive approach and used qualitative thematic content analysis methods to examine and interpret the resulting data. We used NVIVO 12 software for data analysis. RESULTS Quality of care - as delivered by both FCs themselves, and formal health and social care systems - was a major preoccupation for our participants. They saw communications quality as a key aspect of the broader concept of care quality. Our data analysis produced a typology of communications quality from the FC perspective. Analysis of our data also revealed ICT development opportunities and available products in key areas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the formal care system providers could be more caregiver-oriented in their communications by engaging FCs in the decision-making process and allowing them to express their own concerns and goals. The implication of our findings for those seeking to develop policies and ICT products in support of FCs is that these should focus on human relationships and seek to expand facilitative communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Leslie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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26
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Leslie M, Gray RP, Eales J, Fast J, Magnaye A, Khayatzadeh-Mahani A. The care capacity goals of family carers and the role of technology in achieving them. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:52. [PMID: 32102654 PMCID: PMC7045442 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-1455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As global populations age, governments have come to rely heavily on family carers (FCs) to care for older adults and reduce the demands made of formal health and social care systems. Under increasing pressure, sustainability of FC's unpaid care work has become a pressing issue. Using qualitative data, this paper explores FCs' care-related work goals, and describes how those goals do, or do not, link to technology. METHODS We employed a sequential mixed-method approach using focus groups followed by an online survey about FCs' goals. We held 10 focus groups and recruited 25 FCs through a mix of convenience and snowball sampling strategies. Carer organizations helped us recruit 599 FCs from across Canada to complete an online survey. Participants' responses to an open-ended question in the survey were included in our qualitative analysis. An inductive approach was employed using qualitative thematic content analysis methods to examine and interpret the resulting data. We used NVIVO 12 software for data analysis. RESULTS We identified two care quality improvement goals of FCs providing care to older adults: enhancing and safeguarding their caregiving capacity. To enhance their capacity to care, FCs sought: 1) foreknowledge about their care recipients' changing condition, and 2) improved navigation of existing support systems. To safeguard their own wellbeing, and so to preserve their capacity to care, FCs sought to develop coping strategies as well as opportunities for mentorship and socialization. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a paradigm shift is needed to reframe caregiving from a current deficit frame focused on failures and limitations (burden of care) towards a more empowering frame (sustainability and resiliency). The fact that FCs are seeking strategies to enhance and safeguard their capacities to provide care means they are approaching their unpaid care work from the perspective of resilience. Their goals and technology suggestions imply a shift from understanding care as a source of 'burden' towards a more 'resilient' and 'sustainable' model of caregiving. Our case study findings show that technology can assist in fostering this resiliency but that it may well be limited to the role of an intermediary that connects FCs to information, supports and peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Leslie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jacquie Eales
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janet Fast
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Magnaye
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Efthymiou A, Middleton N, Charalambous A, Papastavrou E. Adapting the eHealth Literacy Scale for Carers of People With Chronic Diseases (eHeals-Carer) in a Sample of Greek and Cypriot Carers of People With Dementia: Reliability and Validation Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12504. [PMID: 31778120 PMCID: PMC6908974 DOI: 10.2196/12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the population ages, many more people will be in need of long-term care. According to a recent report by Alzheimer's Disease International and the Karolinska Institute, 84% of people with dementia are cared for at home and 16% in nursing homes. Several Web-based interventions have been developed to assist the work of carers at home. Measuring the levels of electronic health (eHealth) literacy is of top priority to facilitate inclusion of this population and develop training programs to enhance eHealth literacy skills. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to adapt the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHeals) for carers of people with dementia, who speak Greek as their native language and live in Greece and Cyprus, and to test the reliability and validity of the scale for carers. METHODS The content validity of the eHealth Literacy Scale for Carers of People With Chronic Diseases (eHeals-Carer) was assessed with an expert panel (N=10). A descriptive study with face-to-face interviews among 101 primary carers of people with dementia was conducted. In addition to the eHeals-Carer to assess their perceived eHealth literacy, participants responded to a brief questionnaire regarding characteristics of internet use and provided sociodemographic data. The internal consistency of the tool and the construct validity via an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were explored. RESULTS The Mean Item-Level Content Validity Index (CVI) and Scale-Level CVI Average was 0.93. The participants were mostly women (75.2%, 76/101), aged less than 60 years (67.3%, 68/101) with secondary education. The internal consistency was estimated at a Cronbach alpha of .83. Two factors were extracted from the EFA: information seeking questions 1 to 5 (factor 1) and evaluation questions 6 to 8 (factor 2). CONCLUSIONS eHeals-Carer is the first perceived eHealth literacy tool adapted for carers of people with dementia. The use of Web-based services available for carers could help them and improve the health care system in the long term. In Greece and Cyprus, there is a lack of services, and improving the digital skills of carers could provide them with the means to support themselves at home and improve care provision. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/resprot.8080.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Efthymiou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Middleton
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Charalambous
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Evridiki Papastavrou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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