Impact of the FindMyApps program on people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and their caregivers; an exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: FindMyApps is a web-based selection-tool and errorless learning training program to help people with mild dementia/Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and caregivers find user-friendly apps. In preparation of a definitive trial, the impact and feasibility of the FindMyApps intervention on self-management and engagement in meaningful activities, including social participation, was explored. Materials and methods: An exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial (trial registration approval number: NL7210) with pre/post measurements was conducted with community-dwelling people with mild dementia/MCI and their caregivers (n ¼ 59) in the Netherlands. Dyads in the experimental group (n ¼ 28) received training to use the tablet and FindMyApps, and the errorless learning method was taught to their caregivers. Control group dyads (n ¼ 31) received a tablet (without FindMyApps), instructions on tablet-use and links to dementia-friendly apps. Validated instruments were used to assess person with dementia's self-management, meaningful activities and social participation, caregiver's sense of competence and both their quality of life. Results and conclusions: No statistical significant group differences on the outcomes were found. Small to moderate effect-sizes in favour of the FindMyApps group were found for self-management and social participation. Caregivers tended to have more positive care experiences. Subgroup analyses showed that people older than 70 benefitted more from FindMyApps regarding self-management and higher educated people benefitted more regarding social participation. FindMyApps is feasible for the target group and may have potential to improve self-management and social participation. For a future definitive effectiveness trial a larger sample size is recommended, as well as taking into account the possible impact of education and age. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The FindMyApps program is feasible for people with dementia/MCI and may have potential to improve their self-management and social participation. Informal caregivers may develop a more positive care experience when utilizing FindMyApps to find suitable apps for self-management and social participation for the person with dementia/MCI.

The State of Web Accessibility for People with Cognitive Disabilities: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

“…Several interesting themes arose from this type of data. Even if the website or web app met the highest WCAG standards, if it was not relevant to or immediately useful for the participants, then participants tended to dislike the website/web app or rate it poorly [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Then, beyond pure accessibility or usability, other things that are important to people with cognitive disabilities, such as opportunities to build community, share their true identities, and share expertise [ 34 , 35 ].…”

“…Many studies, 14 to be exact, either developed novel tools through the study or explored the use of novel tools created by the authors [ 31 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 47 , 50 , 51 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. Additionally, 17 studies [ 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 42 , 45 , 49 , 53 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 62 , 67 , 68 , 69 ] investigated the potential for existing apps or web-based tools to support web accessibility for PwCDs. Existing tools examined in these studies include: Google apps [ 53 ]; CAPTCHA [ 56 ]; FindMyApps [ 32 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); iOS Maps [ 62 ]; iPad Podcast [ 67 ]; Social Support Aid [ 45 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); Read and Write [ 35 ]; ICanEmail [ 35 ]; ReACT [ 33 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); DigiContact [ 69 ]; Existing Social Media Apps and Sites [ 30 , …”

“…Additionally, 17 studies [ 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 42 , 45 , 49 , 53 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 62 , 67 , 68 , 69 ] investigated the potential for existing apps or web-based tools to support web accessibility for PwCDs. Existing tools examined in these studies include: Google apps [ 53 ]; CAPTCHA [ 56 ]; FindMyApps [ 32 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); iOS Maps [ 62 ]; iPad Podcast [ 67 ]; Social Support Aid [ 45 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); Read and Write [ 35 ]; ICanEmail [ 35 ]; ReACT [ 33 ] (very poorly rated by users in study); DigiContact [ 69 ]; Existing Social Media Apps and Sites [ 30 , 34 , 36 , 57 ]; Existing Search Engines and Databases [ 42 , 55 ]; Newham Easy Read [ 68 ]; WebHelpDyslexia [ 49 ]. …”

“…Many studies, 14 to be exact, either developed novel tools through the study or explored the use of novel tools created by the authors [31,38,40,41,47,50,51,58,60,[62][63][64][65][66]. Additionally, 17 studies [30,[32][33][34][35][36]42,45,49,53,[55][56][57]62,[67][68][69] investigated the potential for existing apps or web-based tools to support web accessibility for PwCDs. Existing tools examined in these studies include:…”

“… How Valuable Is the Research? [ 30 ] Y Y Y Y Y U U Y Y V [ 31 ] Y Y Y Y Y U U Y Y V [ 32 ] Y Y Y Y Y Y U Y Y S [ 33 ] Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y V [ 34 ] Y ...…”