Abstract
AbstractBackgroundThere is a critical need to develop and evaluate effective tools to support the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Apps focused on health and function have great potential to fulfill this need through education, health and behavior tracking, and interactive capabilities. However, current app evaluation tools lack specificity to the AD and caregiver population and fail to assess factors specific to the unique needs of AD. The Health App Review Tool (HART) was designed to characterize the features of apps and then match these features to the needs and abilities of those affected by AD. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the HART and to refine the structure and content of the HART according to findings.MethodThis study will be carried out across Quebec, Columbus, and Pittsburg. A sample of ≥300 health care professionals working with the AD population will be recruited to complete the HART at two time points based on one of four apps and case studies. Inter and intra‐rater reliability will be assessed according to app/case study allocation and between time points. Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis of time 1 scores will be used to assess psychometric soundness. A sample of ≥12 researchers and clinicians will participate in focus groups according to the think‐aloud qualitative approach to systematically assess each item in the HART. Feedback from both psychometric and qualitative assessments will be used to refine the HART.ResultWe anticipate that the current version of the HART will be have redundant items as indicated by residual correlation and that the current factor loading will indicate the need for item relocation. In addition, we anticipate qualitative feedback will indicate that branching structure and more limited item list would be preferable.ConclusionInitial investigations into the HART indicate promise as a clinically valuable instrument, however, additional development of the HART content and structure are needed prior to its widespread use. The HART is anticipated to impact the uptake and use of health and function supporting apps within the AD and caregiver population.
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