„UnderstAID – a platform that helps informal caregivers to understand and aid their demented relatives” – assessment of informal caregivers – a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction. The number of people with dementia increases. Patients are dependent of informal care provided by their family members, especially spouses, children and friends. As the disease progresses caregiving becomes more complex, stressful and demanding. The needs of informal caregivers are related to the lack of professional support in care, including information about the disease, advise of management of its symptoms and social and financial support. It is therefore important to create an information tool which will assist caregivers in their daily work with people with dementia.Aim. The aim of the study was the technical evaluation of the information platform for caregivers of patients with dementia. Material and methods. The study involved 18 caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The level of GDS scale comprised those between 4 and 7. Platform testing had been carried out from 15 February to 15 March 2015. Evaluation of the platform was made using a technical questionnaire depending on the result of the GDS and the Zarit scale. Results and conclusions. Platform was rated positively by caregivers (average score 4 out of 5) with the exception of a few areas which received an average rating of 3. These areas include: usefulness of the guidance provided for the application (26% of respondents assessed it negatively), ease to find the relevant information (25% negative assessments), application responsiveness (24% negative assessments) and the quality of the media files (23% negative assessments). Respondents assessed the platform positively, although some technical issues need improvement.