A Feasibility Study of Designing a Family-Caregiver-Centred Dementia Care Handbook

Abstract

This study aims to explore the feasibility of designing a family-caregiver-centred dementia care handbook. The objectives of this study were to (1) test the readability and understandability of existing written health education materials (WHEMs), (2) identify barriers to meeting dementia family caregivers’ (DFCs’) information needs in the context in which caregiving occurs, and (3) propose best-practice strategies and recommendations for redesigning WHEMs for DFCs with diverse health literacy skills. An innovative product design and development (IPDD) approach was implemented for the design and development process of the proposed WHEM for DFCs named IDEA. In-depth interviews with healthcare experts were conducted and analysed to determine their limitations and actionable recommendations for possible changes. Based on the research findings, we clarified current barriers to information experienced by DFCs and designated nine prominent themes and three essential elements to be included in thedesignprotocol. Finally, best-practice strategies and recommendations were proposed for redesigning a family-caregiver-centred dementia care handbook that may help to enhance the role of DFCs as active caregivers.