Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Decision to Use Non‐Face‐To‐Face Service Among Family Caregiver of People with Dementia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide. It will further increase by more than 50 million by 2050. Over 50% of persons with dementia are receiving care by family caregivers such as spouse or children in Korea even after introducing the long‐term care insurance system in Korea. The outbreak of COVID‐19 resulted in shifting to non‐face‐to‐face services to persons with dementia and family caregivers especially in provision of education and support. Non‐face‐to‐face services allows older persons with dementia and caregivers to participate beyond limitation of time and place during COVID‐19 pandemic.PurposeThis study tested perceived usefulness and perceived ease of non‐face‐to face service using The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The TAM can explain variables such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of technology use. Perceptions of using non‐face‐to‐face services influences the intention of use of the service. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and demands for non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers of persons with dementia.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at 25 dementia centers, South Korea. Family caregivers who were 18 years/ older who had no difficulty in reading, understanding and writing had participated. An online and offline survey was used to collect data on preferred method of information access, use of smart devices, non‐face to face services and support needed for family caregivers and persons with dementia, perceive usefulness, perceived ease, and intention of non‐face‐to‐face service use.Results and DiscussionA total of 284 caregivers responded. Seventy percent of respondents preferred online group education and self‐help groups as the best methods of getting information about dementia. Among respondents, 75% of them had smartphones. Most of them need support such as training on how to use non‐face‐to‐face services (41.2%), 24‐hour available information center (44.4%) and discount on internet usage fee (29.9%) to facilitate their use of non‐face to face service. Perceived usefulness (p <.01) and perceived ease of use (p <.01) influences the intention of use of non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers.