1
|
Chen TH, Lee SD, Ma WF. Attributes, Quality, and Downloads of Dementia-Related Mobile Apps for Patients With Dementia and Their Caregivers: App Review and Evaluation Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51076. [PMID: 38684083 DOI: 10.2196/51076] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of mobile health (mHealth) apps among older adults (>65 years) is rapidly increasing. However, use of such apps has not been fully effective in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers in their daily lives. This is mainly attributed to the heterogeneous quality of mHealth apps, highlighting the need for improved app quality in the development of dementia-related mHealth apps. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were (1) to assess the quality and content of mobile apps for dementia management and (2) to investigate the relationship between app quality and download numbers. METHODS We reviewed dementia-related mHealth apps available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Taiwan. The identified mobile apps were stratified according to a random sampling approach and evaluated by five independent reviewers with sufficient training and proficiency in the field of mHealth and the related health care sector. App quality was scored according to the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation analysis was then performed between the app quality score and number of app downloads. RESULTS Among the 17 apps that were evaluated, only one was specifically designed to provide dementia-related education. The mean score for the overall app quality was 3.35 (SD 0.56), with the engagement (mean 3.04, SD 0.82) and information (mean 3.14, SD 0.88) sections of the scale receiving the lowest ratings. Our analyses showed clear differences between the top three- and bottom three-rated apps, particularly in the entertainment and interest subsections of the engagement category where the ratings ranged from 1.4 to 5. The top three apps had a common feature in their interface, which included memory, attention, focus, calculation, and speed-training games, whereas the apps that received lower ratings were found to be deficient in providing adequate information. Although there was a correlation between the number of downloads (5000 or more) and app quality (t15=4.087, P<.001), this may not be a significant determinant of the app's perceived impact. CONCLUSIONS The quality of dementia-related mHealth apps is highly variable. In particular, our results show that the top three quality apps performed well in terms of engagement and information, and they all received more than 5000 downloads. The findings of this study are limited due to the small sample size and possibility of disregarding exceptional occurrences. Publicly available expert ratings of mobile apps could help people with dementia and their caregivers choose a quality mHealth app.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu Han Chen
- PhD Program for Health Science and Industry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- PhD Program in Healthcare Science, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fen Ma
- PhD Program in Healthcare Science, School of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fan Q, Hoang MN, DuBose L, Ory MG, Vennatt J, Salha D, Lee S, Falohun T. The Olera.care Digital Caregiving Assistance Platform for Dementia Caregivers: Preliminary Evaluation Study. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e55132. [PMID: 38630527 PMCID: PMC11063878 DOI: 10.2196/55132] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer disease-related dementia in the United States has amplified the health care burden and caregiving challenges, especially for caregivers of people living with dementia. A web-based care planning tool, Olera.care, was developed to aid caregivers in managing common challenges associated with dementia care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the quality and usability of the Olera.care platform and assess the preferences of using the technology and interests in learning about different older adult care services among caregivers. METHODS For interview 1, we aim to understand caregiving needs and let the participants start engaging with the platform. After they engage with the platform, we schedule the second interview and let the participants complete the Mobile Application Rating Scale. The survey also included sociodemographic characteristics, caregiving experiences, communication preferences in technology adoption, and older adult care service use and interests. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the quality and usability of the platform and characteristics of the participants. We conducted 2-sample 2-tailed t tests to examine the differences in the Mobile Application Rating Scale evaluation scores by caregiver characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 30 adult caregivers in Texas completed the evaluation. The majority were aged ≥50 years (25/30, 83%), women (23/30, 77%), White (25/30, 83%), and financially stable (20/30, 67%). The Olera.care platform evaluation showed high satisfaction, with an overall mean rating of 4.57 (SD 0.57) of 5, and scored well in engagement (mean 4.10, SD 0.61), functionality (mean 4.46, SD 0.44), aesthetics (mean 4.58, SD 0.53), and information quality (mean 4.76, SD 0.44) consistently across all participants. A statistically significant difference (P=.02) was observed in functionality evaluation scores by duration of caregiving, with caregivers dedicating more hours to care rating it higher than those providing less care (mean 4.6, SD 0.4 vs mean 4.2, SD 0.5). In addition, caregivers with less caregiving experience reported significantly higher evaluation scores for aesthetics (P=.04) and information quality (P=.03) compared to those with longer years of caregiving. All participants expressed a willingness to recommend the app to others, and 90% (27/30) rated the app overall positively. Most of the participants (21/30, 70%) favored anonymous interactions before receiving personalized feedback and preferred computer browsers over mobile apps. Medical home health services were the most used, with a diverse range of services being used. Caregiver support groups, medical providers, memory care, meal services, and adult day care were among the most desired services for future exploration. CONCLUSIONS The Olera.care web-based platform is a practical, engaging, easy-to-use, visually appealing, and informative tool for dementia caregivers. Future development and research are essential to enhance the platform and comprehensively evaluate it among a broader population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiping Fan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Minh-Nguyet Hoang
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Logan DuBose
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Internal Medicine, George Washington University, DC, WA, United States
| | - Marcia G Ory
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jeswin Vennatt
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Diana Salha
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Shinduk Lee
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tokunbo Falohun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M Univesity, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schneider C, Nißen M, Kowatsch T, Vinay R. Impact of digital assistive technologies on the quality of life for people with dementia: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080545. [PMID: 38341210 PMCID: PMC10862336 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital assistive technologies (DATs) have emerged as promising tools to support the daily life of people with dementia (PWD). Current research tends to concentrate either on specific categories of DATs or provide a generic view. Therefore, it is of essence to provide a review of different kinds of DATs and how they contribute to improving quality of life (QOL) for PWD. DESIGN Scoping review using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and recommendations from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. DATA SOURCES Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (January 2013 to May 2023). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Completed scientific literature with a primary focus on DATs for PWD, perspectives of caregivers, family members or healthcare workers in relation to a PWD, people living in diverse settings and all severities of dementia. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Screening and data extraction were conducted, followed by quantitative and qualitative analyses using thematic analysis principles and Digital Therapeutics Alliance categories for DAT grouping. RESULTS The literature search identified 6083 records, with 1056 duplicates. After screening, 4560 full texts were excluded, yielding 122 studies of different designs. The DATs were categorised into digital therapeutics (n=109), patient monitoring (n=30), digital diagnostics (n=2), care support (n=2) and health system clinical software (n=1). These categories were identified to impact various aspects of QOL: preserving autonomy, engagement, and social interaction, health monitoring and promotion, improving activities of daily living, improving cognition, maintaining dignity, managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and safety/surveillance. CONCLUSIONS Various DATs offer extensive support, elevating the QOL of PWD. Digital therapeutics are predominantly used for ageing-in-place and independent living through assistance with daily tasks. Future research should focus on less-represented digital health technology categories, such as care support, health & wellness or software solutions. Observing ongoing DAT developments and their long-term effects on QOL remains essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schneider
- Department of Management, Technology and Economics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcia Nißen
- University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Department of Management, Technology and Economics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Technology Management, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rasita Vinay
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biskupiak Z, Ha VV, Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:403. [PMID: 38256537 PMCID: PMC10816409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020403] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Limitations of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics for chronic diseases (e.g., medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, or inadequate efficacy) can be mitigated by mobile medical apps, known as digital therapeutics (DTx). Authorization of adjunct DTx by the US Food and Drug Administration and draft guidelines on "prescription drug use-related software" illustrate opportunities to create drug + digital combination therapies, ultimately leading towards drug-device combination products (DTx has a status of medical devices). Digital interventions (mobile, web-based, virtual reality, and video game applications) demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In the respective animal disease models, preclinical studies on environmental enrichment and other non-pharmacological modalities (physical activity, social interactions, learning, and music) as surrogates for DTx "active ingredients" also show improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss how drug + digital combination therapies can impact translational research, drug discovery and development, generic drug repurposing, and gene therapies. Market-driven incentives to create drug-device combination products are illustrated by Humira® (adalimumab) facing a "patent-cliff" competition with cheaper and more effective biosimilars seamlessly integrated with DTx. In conclusion, pharma and biotech companies, patients, and healthcare professionals will benefit from accelerating integration of digital interventions with pharmacotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Victor Vinh Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Engelsma T, Yurt A, Dröes RM, Jaspers MWM, Peute LW. Expert appraisal and prioritization of barriers to mHealth use for older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related Dementias: A Delphi study. Int J Med Inform 2022; 166:104845. [PMID: 35973365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104845] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) can benefit from mHealth innovations in (daily) care. However, successful implementation and adoption of such innovations can be hindered by a lack of inclusive design. Inclusive design can be challenging, due to the variety of ADRD- and aging-related symptoms that can pose barriers to using mHealth. Previously, a literature-based model with 53 barriers to mHealth use for this population has been developed ("MHealth for OLder adults living with DEMentia - USability" or MOLDEM-US). In this study, we aim to prioritize these through a Delphi study with ADRD experts (case managers, informal caregivers, hospital healthcare professionals, district nurses, and researchers). METHODS In the first round, participant characteristics and potentially new insights into barriers to mHealth use for older adults living with ADRD were gathered. The consensus questionnaire was submitted in the second round, containing barriers to mHealth use for this population (from MOLDEM-US) with questions inquiring its impact and frequency. In the third round, participants rejudged those barriers for which no consensus (<51 %) or minor consensus (51 % - 60 %) was reached. RESULTS Thirty-seven participants completed the three rounds of the study. Consensus was reached for eleven barriers after the second round, all having major impact and frequency: integration of functions during daily activities, perceived complexity, efficiency in seeing benefits, trust in own ability, restlessness and agitation, computer literacy, self confidence in using wearables, learnability, working memory, and visual acuity. CONCLUSION After round three, consensus was achieved for all 53 barriers. Twenty-six barriers are considered to majorly affect mHealth use, most of which relate to cognition and frame of mind. This study contributes to the development of mHealth design guidelines that take into account the progressive and diverse ADRD- and aging-related symptoms negatively affecting mHealth implementation and adoption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Engelsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Human Factors Engineering of Health Information Technology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ahsen Yurt
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rose-Marie Dröes
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique W M Jaspers
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Human Factors Engineering of Health Information Technology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Linda W Peute
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health, Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Human Factors Engineering of Health Information Technology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|