While secondary data analysis of quantitative data has become commonplace and encouraged across disciplines, the practice of secondary data analysis with qualitative data has met more criticism and concerns regarding potential methodological and ethical problems. Though commentary about qualitative secondary data analysis has increased, little is known about the current state of qualitative secondary data analysis or how researchers are conducting secondary data analysis with qualitative data. This critical interpretive synthesis examined research articles (n = 71) published between 2006 and 2016 that involved qualitative secondary data analysis and assessed the context, purpose, and methodologies that were reported. Implications of findings are discussed, with particular focus on recommended guidelines and best practices of conducting qualitative secondary data analysis.

The purpose of the current feasibility study was to examine the use, utility, and areas for refinement of a newly developed web-based and Android™ application (app) (i.e., CareHeroes) with multiple features to support individuals caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia (AD). The study was performed over an 11-week period with triads of AD caregivers, assigned home care case managers, and primary care providers (PCP). The study involved quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Eleven AD caregivers (seven daughters, two sons, and two spouses), six case managers, and five PCPs participated. Data demonstrate participants were mostly satisfied with the multiple features and ability to access and use CareHeroes. Barriers for use include concerns about time constraints and not being familiar with technology. Although the study findings are promising, a longer term study to evaluate the impact of the CareHeroes app is indicated.

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Most of the 5.4 million people affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia (AD) are noninstitutionalized, receiving care by unpaid family caregivers and medically managed by a primary care provider (PCP). Health Information Technology has been recognized for its potential in improving efficiency and quality of AD care and support for AD caregivers. Simultaneously, smartphone technologies have become an increasingly common way to deliver physical and behavioral health care. However, little is known about how smartphone technologies have been used to support AD caregiving and care. This article highlights the current need for smartphone-based interventions for AD and systematically identified and appraised current smartphone apps targeting and available for AD caregivers. Findings indicate that individual available apps have limited functions (compared with the complex needs of caregivers) and little has been done to extend AD caregiving apps to Hispanic populations. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Person-centered care (PCC) has demonstrated to be a viable and preferred model of providing health and institutionalized long-term care services. However, the concept of PCC has not been fully extended to home- and community-based long-term care services (HCBS) for older adults with chronic conditions. This review highlights the need for PCC in HCBS and suggests that social workers may play a role in overcoming cultural and structural barriers to extending PCC to HCBS that include: the fragmentation of the industry, financial structures, regulation of services, and paternalism in policy and practice. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research are provided.