Usage and Usability of a Web-based Program for Family Caregivers of Older People in Three European Countries

Abstract

InformCare is a European Web platform that supports informal caregivers of older people by providing access to online information and professional and peer support. The aim of this study was to assess the usage and usability of a psychosocial Web-based program carried out in three European countries (Italy, Sweden, and Germany). A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was adopted, comprising baseline and postintervention assessments, as well as combined thematic content analysis of results and focus group findings. A convenience sample of 118 caregivers was enrolled, of whom 94 used the services offered by the program at least once. The subsamples in the three countries used the platform in different ways, with a predominance of passive strategies (eg, seeking information and reading other people's comments) for Italian caregivers, and more active usage by Swedish and German caregivers. The usability assessment showed that the platform was perceived well by Italian and German caregivers, whereas technical problems affected the Swedish sample's experiences. Focus group data highlighted user satisfaction with the online support and reliability of the environment. Recommendations for practitioners are to ensure digital training for caregivers who have lower confidence in use of the Internet, to involve different healthcare professionals in the provision of professional support, and to adequately manage online community building.

Acceptability of psychosocial interventions for dementia caregivers: a systematic review

“…We completed 44 quality assessments on the 42 included studies; two studies [ 34 , 35 ] with mixed-methods design each had 2 quality assessments done. Details of the methodological quality assessments of all 42 studies are in Additional file 2 .…”

“…Details of the methodological quality assessments of all 42 studies are in Additional file 2 . From the 42 papers, 21 (50%) studies were rated as strong [ 17 , 36 – 55 ], 15 (36%) were rated as moderate [ 24 – 26 , 35 , 56 – 66 ], and 6 (14%) were rated as low [ 34 , 67 – 71 ]. Most of the included studies used data collection tools with high reliability and validity, and differences in the quality assessment arose mainly from sample representativeness, drop-out rates, integrity of intervention, and appropriateness of the analysis.…”

“… 52.9% McCurry [ 61 ], 2015 Caregiver Cognitive intervention, include Problem-solving skills, Effective communication skills, negative thinking management, Coping strategies, education. 95.6% Wilz [ 48 ], 2016 Caregiver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 88.4% Rotrou [ 50 ], 2011 Dyads Cognitive intervention, Include education, problem-solving techniques, emotion-centred coping strategies, behavior management, communication skills, crisis management, practical advice 95% Pitkala [ 45 ], 2011 Dyads Physical intervention, tailored home-based exercise 94% Castro [ 59 ], 2002 Caregivers Physical intervention, exercise program 41.2% Mittelman [ 55 ], 2007 Caregivers Individual and family counseling, Provide counseling depended on the needs of each spouse caregiver and family 99% Barbabella [ 35 ], 2018 Caregivers Web-based psychosocial intervention, Psychological and social support, Coping and reconciliation strategies, education, contact service. 95.9% Zarit [ 43 ], 2013 Caregivers Social and psychological intervention, Advanced Caregiver Education and Support Program 90% Chee [ 46 ], 2007 Caregivers Skill-Building Intervention, include education, problem solving, communication, environmental and task simplification techniques, etc.…”

“… 85% Tremont [ 17 ], 2015 Caregivers Psychosocial intervention, include dementia education, emotional support etc. 85% Barbabella [ 35 ], 2018 Caregivers Web-based psychosocial intervention, Psychological and social support, Coping and reconciliation strategies, education, contact service. 79.7% Coon [ 58 ], 2003 Caregivers Psycho-educational skill training interventions, include Anger and depression management class 77% Livingston [ 47 ], 2014 Caregivers Psychological intervention, START manual-based, individual coping intervention 75% Belle [ 52 ], 2006 Caregivers Multi-component intervention, include problem solving, skills training, stress management techniques, and telephone support groups, et al 75% Chee [ 46 ], 2007 Caregivers Skill-Building Intervention, include education, problem solving, communication, environmental and task simplification techniques, etc.…”

“…A total of 20 high- and moderate-quality papers presented the actual participation rate after recruitment. Twelve studies were rated as high (the actual participation rate was ≥ 80%), including 2 social [ 36 , 54 ], 3 cognitive [ 48 , 50 , 61 ], one physical [ 45 ], and 6 other psychosocial interventions [ 25 , 35 , 43 , 46 , 55 , 60 ]. Three multi-component psychosocial intervention studies were rated as moderate (60–79% participation) [ 17 , 49 , 52 ].…”