Identification of Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of a New Pain Assessment Mobile Health Application by Family Carers of People with Dementia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study identified potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a medical device in the form of a mobile health (mHealth) application, (app) called PainChek®, by family carers of individuals with dementia in the Australian community setting. Focus groups and a phone interview took place with family carers and healthcare professionals. Data were analysed thematically. 6 family carers and 8 healthcare professionals participated across 2 focus groups and 1 phone interview. Themes related to the user, innovation/PainChek®, and contextual factors were identified. Barriers to use included age, physical limitations, cost, technical issues, misinterpretation of how PainChek® works, and influence of family. Facilitators included a willingness to use mHealth Apps and previous experience. Some themes acted as both barriers and facilitators depending on the situation such as the healthcare team's acceptance. Targeted interventions and support strategies, leveraging facilitators are essential to overcome barriers related to user, intervention, and context and to enhance successful PainChek® implementation, thereby improving pain management in individuals with dementia. Future research is recommended to develop effective implementation strategies to utilise the facilitators and overcome the barriers to improve the implementation of PainChek®.