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Monnet F, Craven MP, Dupont C, Van den Block L, Pivodic L. Usability of web-based tools designed for communication and decision-making in dementia: Systematic review and design brief. Int J Med Inform 2024; 188:105484. [PMID: 38772276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an increased number of web-based tools designed for people with dementia and their family caregivers and addressing communication and decision-making. The loss of cognitive functions associated with dementia can impact individuals' experiences and use of web-based tools. There is a need for high quality and user-friendly web-based tools that support communication and decision-making for people with dementia and their family caregivers. OBJECTIVE To identify usability requirements, usability testing methods, and design suggestions from studies focusing on web-based tools for communication and decision-making support in dementia care. METHODS We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis. Five databases were systematically searched in February 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS A total of 1,032 articles were identified and 7 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Web-based tools addressed technology usage, health promotion, home modification information, shared decision-making facilitation, information needs and social isolation. Methods to test usability included surveys, interviews, focus groups, cognitive walkthroughs and think-aloud procedures. Findings suggested reducing cognitive load, enhancing readability, providing clear language, and emphasising the need for additional support for people with dementia. Design recommendations include optimising information delivery and presentation, enhancing visual elements, streamlining navigation, providing concrete examples, using clear language, and offering training and tailored support. CONCLUSION Usability requirements ranged from visual appearance and navigation to delivery of content and support needed. This review contributes to efforts to improve design and development of web-based tools targeting communication and decision-making in dementia care. Further research should address tailored support to enhance usability for people with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Monnet
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Michael P Craven
- Human Factors Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; NIHR MindTech MedTech Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Charlèss Dupont
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lara Pivodic
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
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Tan XR, Wilson IM, Tay PKC, Win PPS, Song CF, Wee SL. Mapping of technological strategies for reducing social isolation in homebound older adults: A scoping review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 125:105478. [PMID: 38776697 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105478] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homebound older adults (HOAs) are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which engender a poorer physical and mental health, and greater cognitive decline. The purpose of this review is to map the literature to identify potential technological strategies that reduce social isolation in HOAs, and to understand facilitators and barriers for adoption and implementation. METHODS Six databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, EBSCOHost, National Library ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Journal of Medical Internet Research were searched for relevant articles. Peer-reviewed literature published in English from Jan 2014 to Feb 2024 that employed technological strategies applicable to HOAs and assessed social isolation or connectedness as an outcome measure were included. RESULTS 107 studies were reviewed and classified into different technological categories based on their functions and features. A social technology framework encompassing delivery, hardware, software, content, training, and support was conceptualized with core characteristics identified from the reviewed technological strategies. Cost and complexity of technology, and resource commitment were identified as barriers while user-friendliness, content curation and a supportive ecosystem may facilitate the adoption of a technological strategy to address social isolation in HOAs. CONCLUSION There is a need for early and concerted effort to identify HOAs, provide technology training, and empower them to tap on the digital world to complement and/or supplement social interactions. Development of cost-effective and rapid-to-implement technology is vital for HOAs who are at highest risk to social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ren Tan
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Ingrid M Wilson
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Kay Chai Tay
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Phoo Pyae Sone Win
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Cai Feng Song
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Shiou-Liang Wee
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
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Fuhr DC, Wolf-Ostermann K, Hoel V, Zeeb H. [Digital technologies to improve mental health]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:332-338. [PMID: 38294700 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03842-4] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The burden of mental diseases is enormous and constantly growing worldwide. The resulting increase in demand for psychosocial help is also having a negative impact on waiting times for psychotherapy in Germany. Digital interventions for mental health, such as interventions delivered through or with the help of a website (e.g. "telehealth"), smartphone, or tablet app-based interventions and interventions that use text messages or virtual reality, can help. This article begins with an overview of the functions and range of applications of digital technologies for mental health. The evidence for individual digital forms of interventions is addressed. Overall, it is shown that digital interventions for mental health are likely to be cost-effective compared to no therapy or a non-therapeutic control group. Newer approaches such as "digital phenotyping" are explained in the article. Finally, individual papers from the "Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health" are presented, and limitations and challenges of technologies for mental health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Fuhr
- Abteilung für Evaluation und Prävention, Leibniz Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland.
- Gesundheitswissenschaften, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland.
| | - Karin Wolf-Ostermann
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Viktoria Hoel
- Institut für Public Health und Pflegeforschung, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Abteilung für Evaluation und Prävention, Leibniz Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
- Gesundheitswissenschaften, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
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Flynn A, Brennan A, Barry M, Redfern S, Casey D. Social connectedness and the role of virtual reality: experiences and perceptions of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38372257 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2310262] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People living with dementia are often at increased risk of becoming socially disconnected due to dementia-related challenges. In recent years, digital technology has been designed to help address the social health of people living with dementia and provide opportunities to promote or maintain their social connectedness. This paper presents the findings from phase two of a participatory action research project, which explored people living with dementia and their caregiver's experiences and perceptions of social connectedness and the potential role of Virtual Reality (VR) in promoting or maintaining same. MATERIALS AND METHODS People living with dementia (n = 8) and their informal caregivers (n = 8) participated in an individual, 1:1 online interview. Data analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The findings presented four themes: social connectedness: lived experiences and insights, facilitating social connectedness, barriers to social connectedness and the potential of multi-user VR for social connectedness. People living with dementia experienced a range of personal, community and societal connectedness. Facilitators of social connectedness included supportive, non-judgemental, and reciprocal relationships, technology adoption, and personal and contextual facilitators. Dementia-related difficulties and periods of disruption or change were considered barriers to social connectedness. Multi-user VR was perceived as useful for promoting and maintaining social connectedness. CONCLUSIONS The perceived usefulness of multi-user VR for social connectedness indicates its potential for use with this population. Understanding the lived experiences, barriers, and facilitators of social connectedness will assist researchers and the human-computer interaction community to inform the design of future multi-user VR for social connectedness outcomes with people living with dementia and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Flynn
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Attracta Brennan
- School of Computer Science, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marguerite Barry
- Information and Communication Studies, ADAPT Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sam Redfern
- School of Computer Science, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dympna Casey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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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.
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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
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Hoel V, Koh WQ, Sezgin D. Enrichment of dementia caregiving relationships through psychosocial interventions: A scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1069846. [PMID: 36687423 PMCID: PMC9849912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1069846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Enrichment, defined as "the process of endowing caregiving with meaning or pleasure for both the caregiver and care recipient" can support relationships between people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers. This study aims to explore (1) the types of psychosocial interventions that may enrich relationships between dementia caregiving dyads, and (2) the components within these psychosocial interventions that may contribute to enrichment. Methods A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. We operationalized and contextualized core elements from Cartwright and colleagues' enrichment model, which was also used to guide the review. Five electronic databases were searched. Psychosocial intervention components contributing to enrichment were identified and grouped within each core element. Results Thirty-four studies were included. Psychosocial interventions generating enrichment among dyads mainly involved supporting dyadic engagement in shared activities, carer education or training, or structural change to the environment around PLWD. Intervention components contributing to the enrichment of dyadic relationships were identified within "acquired symbolic meaning", "performing activity", and "fine tuning". Dyadic communication support and skill-building were common contributors to enrichment. Conclusion Our findings may inform the planning and development of interventions to enrich dyadic relationships in the context of dementia. In formal caregiving contexts, future interventions may consider dedicating space for relationships to build and grow through positive interactions. In informal caregiving contexts, existing relationships should be considered to better support dyads engage in positive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Hoel
- Department of Nursing Science Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wei Qi Koh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Duygu Sezgin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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