Technology-based Interventions Research Articles

A Technology-Based Intervention Impacts Quality of Life for Low-Income Older Adults by Reducing Loneliness and Improving Healthcare Self-Efficacy and Self-Rated Health.

This paper describes a technology program aimed at developing technical skills and confidence, reducing social isolation and loneliness, and increasing healthcare self-management and self-efficacy among older adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study using surveys collected at baseline and 12months from 90 older adults. Focus group data (n = 7) collected at 12months were examined for convergence with key quantitative outcomes, emergent value-related themes, and evaluation of program structure and staff. Outcome data showed improvements in loneliness (Cohen's d = -0.24, p = .004) (validated by qualitative data), self-rated health (d = 0.23, p = .011), and healthcare self-efficacy (d = 0.31, p = .004). Participants with higher healthcare self-efficacy (β = 0.24, p = .03) and higher negative emotions (β = 0.28, p = .01) had greater frequency of internet use to search for health information. Qualitative findings described program mechanisms supporting increases in self-efficacy, including increased technology use and confidence, and values statements demonstrating the meaningfulness of learning technology and its impact on multiple domains of quality of life.

Barriers and enablers to salt intake reduction in Australian adults with high blood pressure.

High dietary salt intake is a known risk factor for hypertension. However, Australians continue to consume excessive amounts of salt. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers, enablers and strategies to reduce salt in a sample of Australian adults with hypertension. This was a qualitative study. Participants were asked a set of open-ended questions during focus groups conducted between October 2020 and April 2021. Sessions were recorded and transcribed. Using an inductive approach, the transcript data from the focus groups were thematically analysed. This involved checking accuracy, becoming familiar with the data, coding responses based on questions, identifying themes through common patterns and validating themes by grouping similar questions that represented the data and study aim effectively. Thirty-one adults (55 % females) with high blood pressure participated in the focus group discussions. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of high blood pressure risk factors but lacked an understanding of recommended salt intake levels and sources of hidden salt. Challenges in reducing salt intake included the limited availability of low-salt commercial foods. Participants suggested improved food labelling and the use of technology-based interventions to promote healthier choices. Findings highlight the need for behavioural interventions, policy reforms and collaborations between the government, food industries and health organisations to address high salt intake in the population.

Technology-Based Interventions to Promote Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors for Persons Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management is complex and requires daily personal involvement and self-management skills to maintain optimal glycemic levels and improve health outcomes. Engagement in self-management behaviors in the early years of diagnosis can be challenging due to prevailing psychosocial factors present during this critical transition period, coupled with a lack of information, support, and skills. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions can improve access to needed education and support, and their effectiveness in the general T2D population is well documented. This scoping review synthesized evidence on the use of technology for promoting diabetes self-management behaviors and related outcomes among individuals newly diagnosed with T2D (within the first 12months since diagnosis). Twenty-five studies were included. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions tailored to those newly diagnosed with T2D have grown exponentially in the past five years. Existing evidence, though limited, showed that technologies such as websites, mobile apps, and continuous glucose monitoring combinedwith other communication features, can facilitate patient education, patient-provider communication, and health data monitoring. However, these technologies less commonly involved social support functions. These technologies have the potential to improve diabetes knowledge and positively impactclinical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. However, small sample sizes, use of non-experimental designs, and the absence of formative research and theoretical foundations limit the strength ofexisting studies. Technology-based self-management interventions for those newly diagnosed with T2D show promise in improving T2D-related outcomes. Future studies should include larger sample sizes, adopt rigorous study designs, and integrate formative work to enhance relevance, adoption, and impact.

Effectiveness of wearable technology-based physical activity interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-regression.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with the increasing prevalence of a modern sedentary lifestyle. Wearable technology-based physical activity interventions (WT-BPAI) might provide a channel to improve diabetic self-management. The study aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of WT-BPAI on PA levels, glycemic levels, and other outcomes (blood pressure [BP], body mass index [BMI], and serum lipid profile) in adults with T2DM, and (2) investigate the potential covariates affecting aforementioned outcomes. Eight databases were searched thoroughly using three steps from inception until January 16, 2024. The quality of the studies and overall evidence were evaluated. The package meta of the R software program version 4.3.1. was utilized for meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression analyses. A total of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found. Meta-analyses revealed that WT-BPAI significantly increased 1583 steps per day and decreased systolic BP (SBP) by 2.46 mmHg. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses found that function, duration of intervention, and age were significant covariates. According to the risk of bias version 2, more than half of the trials raised some concerns about the randomization process, deviations from the intended intervention, and missing outcome data. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. WT-BPAI can be considered a supplementary intervention to increase the steps per day and decrease SBP, especially when used for short periods in young adults with T2DM. However, we need more well-designed research with long-term outcomes.

An interactive technology-based emotion recognition intervention for children with developmental language disorder: A longitudinal mixed-method study

ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that children with developmental language disorder (DLD) often face challenges in emotion recognition (ER) skills, which impacts their social and behavioural outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a flexible online intervention in meeting the individual needs of children with DLD, focusing on ER skills. The study also sought to explore the impact of the ER intervention on the emotional well-being of children with DLD. A longitudinal mixed-method design was conducted with 10 children with DLD, employing a weekly assessment and comprehensive pre- and post-assessments to pinpoint specific ER challenges and changes. Weekly phone calls (WPC) were also used to follow-up on participants’ progress and understanding of changes in ER skills. Individual analysis revealed that varied use of intervention phases and degrees of improvement were identified as families were flexible in this program. The intervention results highlighted significant improvements in basic vocal ER skills and emotional problems among children with DLD. Clinical implications include integrating targeted ER interventions into DLD intervention programs and identifying specific areas of difficulty for individualised support.

MHealth interventions to improve public knowledge of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in the UK

In the United Kingdom (UK), the current prevalence rates of oropharyngeal cancer linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) are 6.29% and 2.04% in men and women, respectively. Over the years, the burden of this disease has increased in the UK, and this is mainly due to the rising prevalence of HPV infection in the UK. Research evidence has shown that over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the UK are linked to HPV. Oral sex is the major route of transmission of HPV, and over 63% of UK young adults are found to have a positive history of oral sex practice. However, only a minority of the UK population are aware of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer; this therefore calls for more public health efforts to increase awareness and knowledge on HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in the UK. While the use of technology-based, clinic-based, and community-based interventions have been employed to improve public awareness and knowledge on the role of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, mobile health (mhealth) interventions have not been seriously explored despite existing robust evidence on the effective roles of mhealth in improving awareness and knowledge in diverse diseases. This article therefore calls for the adoption and use of mhealth interventions in educating the UK’s population on HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. The use of mhealth interventions in this regard is highly viable as its implementation closely aligns with the country’s National Health Service (NHS) commitment towards the digital transformation of the UK’s healthcare system.

Effective Vocabulary Teaching Techniques for EFL Teachers in Primary Classrooms

The aim of this study is to explore vocabulary teaching techniques applied by EFL teachers in primary schools in Depok, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study involved observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis as primary data collection methods. Three EFL female teachers from three primary schools in Depok participated in this research. The findings reveal that repetition drills and translation are the most commonly used strategies due to their effectiveness in vocabulary retention and comprehension. Visual aids and interactive activities like games also play a significant role, though their use is often limited by resource constraints, and large class sizes. The research suggests that combining traditional methods with innovative approaches can improve vocabulary teaching, but further support in terms of resources and professional development is necessary for teachers to maximize their effectiveness. The study recommends future research focusing on digital tools and technology-based interventions, assessing the impact of teacher training programs, and comparing urban and rural contexts. Additionally, exploring the long-term effects of these techniques on students’ language proficiency would provide valuable insights for enhancing English education in Indonesia.

Intervention model in reducing the unmet need for contraception: a systematic literature review on technology-based, community, and health worker interventions

The unmet need for contraception is a serious public health problem, and efforts to reduce the unmet need for family planning are a challenge due to the many and complex factors that contribute to the unmet needs. The aim of this study was to systematically review scientific evidence on intervention models that effectively reduce the unmet need for contraception. This study used a systematic review to identify relevant scientific articles. The article search was based on the PICO approach and used a database from https://www.scopus.com/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://www.mdpi.com/, https://www.jstor.org/, https://www.nature.com/, https://link.springer.com/. The reviewed material was full-text articles and open-access articles published from 2013 to 2023. Data extraction included author, country, type of intervention, research design, sample, and main research findings. Twelve studies were included in our qualitative synthesis. Technology-based interventions, such as mobile phone instant messaging apps, were implemented in countries like Tajikistan, Bolivia, and Mozambique. Community-based interventions included the Community Family Health=Family Wealth program in Uganda, the Tékponon Jikuagou (TJ) program in Benin, and the Married Adolescent Girls Club (MAG club) and Participatory Women's Group Intervention in Bangladesh. Health worker-led interventions involved community health volunteers in Nepal, postpartum contraceptive counseling, contraceptive counseling for all ages, structured counseling for childbearing couples in Indonesia, and the "Consult and Choose" client-centered family service in Jordan. The findings underscore that varying intervention models can significantly enhance contraceptive use, tailored to specific cultural and regional contexts. These interventions, therefore, hold substantial implications for public health practices aiming to address and reduce the global unmet need for contraception. This systematic review provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of diverse interventions and suggests avenues for public health strategies to expand contraceptive access and use globally.

Technology-Based Interventions, with a Stepped Care Approach, for Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors and Increasing PrEP Initiation Among Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth and Young Adults

Technology-Based Interventions, with a Stepped Care Approach, for Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors and Increasing PrEP Initiation Among Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth and Young Adults

Assessing and Enhancing Movement Quality Using Wearables and Consumer Technologies: Thematic Analysis of Expert Perspectives.

Improvements in movement quality (ie, how well an individual moves) facilitate increases in movement quantity, subsequently improving general health and quality of life. Wearable technology offers a convenient, affordable means of measuring and assessing movement quality for the general population, while technology more broadly can provide constructive feedback through various modalities. Considering the perspectives of professionals involved in the development and implementation of technology helps translate user needs into effective strategies for the optimal application of consumer technologies to enhance movement quality. This study aimed to obtain the opinions of wearable technology experts regarding the use of wearable devices to measure movement quality and provide feedback. A secondary objective was to determine potential strategies for integrating preferred assessment and feedback characteristics into a technology-based movement quality intervention for the general, recreationally active population. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 participants (age: mean 42, SD 9 years; 5 males) between August and September 2022 using a predetermined interview schedule. Participants were categorized based on their professional roles: commercial (n=4) and research and development (R&D; n=8). All participants had experience in the development or application of wearable technology for sports, exercise, and wellness. The verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in QSR NVivo (release 1.7), resulting in the identification of overarching themes and subthemes. Three main themes were generated as follows: (1) "Grab and Go," (2) "Adjust and Adapt," and (3) "Visualize and Feedback." Participants emphasized the importance of convenience to enhance user engagement when using wearables to collect movement data. However, it was suggested that users would tolerate minor inconveniences if the benefits were perceived as valuable. Simple, easily interpretable feedback was recommended to accommodate diverse audiences and aid understanding of their movement quality, while avoiding excessive detail was advised to prevent overload, which could deter users. Adaptability was endorsed to accommodate progressions in user movement quality, and customizable systems were advocated to offer variety, thereby increasing user interest and engagement. The findings indicate that visual feedback representative of the user (ie, an avatar) should be used, supplemented with concise text or audible instructions to form a comprehensive, multimodal feedback system. The study provides insights from wearable technology experts on the use of consumer technologies for enhancing movement quality. The findings recommend the prioritization of user convenience and simplistic, multimodal feedback centered around visualizations, and an adaptable system suitable for a diverse audience. Emphasizing individualized feedback and user-centric design, this study provides valuable findings around the use of wearables and other consumer technologies to enhance movement quality among the general population. These findings, in conjunction with those of future research into user perspectives, should be applied in practical settings to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing movement quality.

A - 13 Cognitive Correlates of Technology-Based Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance in Older Adults Presenting for Cognitive Evaluations

Abstract Objective Rapid advances in technology have altered how daily activities are performed. Accumulating evidence suggests technology-based instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) are increasingly common in older adults’ lives, and assessing these skills may improve diagnostic identification of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). While iADLs are complex tasks reliant on multiple cognitive processes, prior work suggests memory and executive functioning are the cognitive processes most strongly predictive of iADL performance in ADRD. However, whether similar associations exist with technology-based iADLs has not been established. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the cognitive correlates of technology-based compared to traditional iADL items. Method One hundred seventy-eight individuals (mean age: 75.35 ± 7.30) presenting for evaluation of cognitive status completed tests of memory, executive functioning, language, and processing speed. Care partners completed the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and 11 technology-based iADL items. Associations between cognition and traditional and technology-based FAQ items were examined through Pearson’s correlations and multiple regression analyses. Results Cognition was significantly correlated with both traditional and technology-based iADLs (|r’s| > 0.30, p’s.44). In multiple regression models, executive functioning and processing speed but not memory were the strongest predictors of traditional iADL performance (p’s < 0.02), but for independence with technology-based iADLs, executive functioning alone (p < 0.001) emerged. Conclusions Relations between cognition and daily functioning are similar for both traditional and technology-based FAQ items, with executive functioning particularly relevant for both types of tasks. Implications for clinical practice and technology-based interventions are discussed.

A Scoping Review of Technology-Based Approaches for Upper Limb Motor Rehabilitation after Stroke: Are We Really Targeting Severe Impairment?

Technology-based approaches for upper limb (UL) motor rehabilitation after stroke are mostly designed for severely affected patients to increase their recovery chances. However, the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the efficacy of technology-based interventions often include patients with a wide range of motor impairment. This scoping review aims at overviewing the actual severity of stroke patients enrolled in RCTs that claim to specifically address UL severe motor impairment. The literature search was conducted on the Scopus and PubMed databases and included articles from 2008 to May 2024, specifically RCTs investigating the impact of technology-based interventions on UL motor functional recovery after stroke. Forty-eight studies were selected. They showed that, upon patients' enrollment, the values of the UL Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Action Research Arm Test covered the whole range of both scales, thus revealing the non-selective inclusion of severely impaired patients. Heterogeneity in terms of numerosity, characteristics of enrolled patients, trial design, implementation, and reporting was present across the studies. No clear difference in the severity of the included patients according to the intervention type was found. Patient stratification upon enrollment is crucial to best direct resources to those patients who will benefit the most from a given technology-assisted approach (personalized rehabilitation).

Mixed Reality in Clinical Settings for Pediatric Patients and Their Families: A Literature Review.

In the post-pandemic context, there has been an increasing demand for technology-based interventions in education and healthcare systems, such as augmented and mixed reality technologies. Despite the promising outcomes of applying mixed reality (MR), there is limited aggregated evidence focusing on child-patient interventions in hospital-based or clinical settings. This literature review aimed to identify and synthesize existing knowledge on MR technologies applied to pediatric patients in healthcare settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of the Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify articles published in the last 10 years that address the application of augmented and/or MR technologies in pediatric hospital settings or clinical environments to improve patient and family outcomes. A total of 45 articles were identified, and following a rigorous screening and eligibility process, 4 review articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. From these reviews, 10 studies with relevant interventions and measured effects were extracted. The extracted studies were analyzed based on eight key attributes: country of origin, study design, characteristics of the study population, primary clinical setting, type of MR device used, nature of the intervention, variables measured, and significant effects observed in the outcome variables. The analysis revealed diverse approaches across different clinical settings, with a common focus on improving both emotional well-being and learning outcomes in pediatric patients and their families. These findings suggest that MR-based pediatric interventions generally provide children and their parents with positive emotional experiences, enhancing both learning and treatment outcomes. However, the studies reviewed were heterogeneous and varied significantly in terms of clinical settings and MR applications. Future research should focus on developing more controlled study designs that specifically target the pediatric population to strengthen the evidence base for MR interventions in healthcare.

Digital motor intervention effects on physical activity performance of individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.

Post-pandemic, use of digital technologies (e.g., mobile app, Zoom, virtual reality, and videogaming) to promote physical activity (PA) in populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has increased. The efficacy of various digital technologies in promoting PA in individuals with IDD varies. We conducted a systematic review to examine current literature findings on the efficacy of digital PA interventions on PA outcomes in individuals with IDD. Articles published between 1900 and 2024 that examined effects of technology-based PA interventions on PA levels/fitness of individuals with IDD using experimental or quasi-experimental study designs were included. Sixteen articles were retrieved from four health databases PubMed (914), PsycInfo (1201), SCOPUS (1910), and CINAHL (948). Findings based on 604 participants (Autism: 383; Down Syndrome: 106; Developmental Disability: 83, Developmental Coordination Disorder: 37) provide the most support for exergaming/digital PA intervention benefits for populations with ID, Down Syndrome, and Autism; however, there was limited support for its use in those without ID (e.g., DCD). Digital technology is an effective tool to promote improvements in PA/fitness, motor, cardiovascular performance in individuals with ID. Future studies need to build on this evidence to support the use of PA outcomes in individuals with different IDD diagnoses.

A randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO on drinking games participation and behavior among high school seniors

BackgroundAmong high school students, seniors report the highest levels of hazardous drinking behavior, including playing drinking games. Technology-based interventions are a promising approach for reducing hazardous drinking behavior among this age group. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO, an online personalized feedback intervention, on reducing the frequency of playing drinking games, the number of drinks consumed while playing drinking games, and the number of drinks consumed on occasions when drinking games were played among high school seniors (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03613818). Method: Participants were recruited from two high schools. Class periods were randomized to the intervention condition or an assessment-only control condition. Participants completed online surveys at baseline, 30-day, and 6-month assessments. The subsample in this study (N = 109) consisted of high-risk drinkers (i.e., students reporting binge drinking in the past two weeks at baseline). Results: We did not find any significant differences in frequency of playing drinking games between the intervention and control conditions. For number of drinks consumed, students in the intervention condition reported a significant reduction in the number of drinks consumed while playing drinking games (p < 0.01) and total number of drinks consumed on drinking game occasions (p < 0.04) at the 30-day follow-up relative to students in the control condition. Reductions within the intervention group were sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Results support the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO for decreasing hazardous alcohol use among high school seniors.

CN16 Effectiveness of technology-based intervention in symptom management in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

CN16 Effectiveness of technology-based intervention in symptom management in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Can technology-based intervention improve collaboration skills: a meta-analysis study

ABSTRACT Collaboration skills are essential in the 21st century. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into teamwork, many studies have found that technology plays an important role in the development of collaboration skills. However, it is difficult to determine the effect of technology-based intervention in this respect. To explore the relationship between technology-based intervention and collaboration skills, we conducted a meta-analysis of 39 studies of this topic reported in 34 articles. The results show that technology-based intervention has a positive correlation with collaboration skills. Moreover, multiple factors, including technology category, learning space, learning stage, discipline, and collaboration skills dimension, significantly moderate the relationship. These findings suggest that collaboration skills are closely related to technology and its application methods. Overall, this study not only comprehensively reveals the complex effect of technology-based intervention on collaboration skills, but the findings also have important implications for research on technology-based intervention in promoting such skills.

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

Effects of Online Naloxone Training for Laypersons: An Extended-Baseline Assessment

Background: While laypersons can play a crucial role in administering naloxone in opioid overdoses, they must be recruited and trained to effectively manage overdose events as good Samaritans. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a technology-based intervention that recruited and trained laypersons to administer naloxone. Methods: Opioid Rapid Response System (ORRS) was an online recruitment and training intervention which capitalized on social cognitive theory and a digital media engagement model to mobilize laypersons to administer intranasal naloxone. ORRS was developed based on a randomized waitlisted controlled trial (N = 220). This secondary analysis is a within-group, extended-baseline assessment of the waitlisted group (n = 106), considering that they served as their own control prior to receiving the training. ORRS was conducted in five counties of Indiana with adults who did not self-identify as a certified first responder. Five indices were generated from 23 variables: knowledge of overdose signs, knowledge of overdose management, self-efficacy in responding, concerns about responding, and intent to respond. Paired t-test compared changes between 3 timepoints. Results: Three indices had significantly greater increases associated with training compared to extended baseline: recognizing opioid overdose signs (difference = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.02, 0.15; t = 2.48; p = 0.01); knowledge of overdose management (difference = 0.27; 95%CI = 0.18, 0.35; t = 5.99; p < 0.01); and self-efficacy in overdose management (difference = 0.68; 95%CI = 0.45, 0.91; t = 5.78; p < 0.01). Concerns related to overdose management significantly decreased as expected (difference = −1.53; 95%CI = −1.86, −1.21; t = −9.27; p < 0.01). Conclusions: ORRS provided strong support for self-efficacy, concerns, and knowledge related to overdose management, and the digital modality accelerates largescale dissemination.

Development and Evaluation of a Web-Based Platform for Personalized Educational and Professional Assistance for Dementia Caregivers: Proposal for a Mixed Methods Study.

Alzheimer disease (AD) and AD-related dementia are prevalent concerns for aging populations. With a growing older adult population living in the United States, the number of people living with dementia is expected to grow, posing significant challenges for informal caregivers. The mental and physical burdens associated with caregiving highlight the importance of developing novel and effective resources to support caregivers. However, technology solutions designed to address their needs often face low adoption rates due to usability issues and a lack of contextual relevance. This study focuses on developing a web-based platform providing financial and legal planning information and education for dementia caregivers and evaluating the platform's usability and adoptability. The goal of this project is to create a web-based platform that connects caregivers with personalized and easily accessible resources. This project involves industrial, academic, and community partners and focuses on two primary aims: (1) developing a digital platform using a Dementia Care Personalization Algorithm and assessing feasibility in a pilot group of caregivers, and (2) evaluating the acceptability and usability of the digital platform across different racial or ethnic populations. This work will aid in the development of technology-based interventions to reduce caregiver burden. The phase I study follows an iterative Design Thinking approach, involving at least 25 dementia caregivers as a user feedback panel to assess the platform's functionality, aesthetics, information, and overall quality using the adapted Mobile Application Rating Scale. Phase II is a usability study with 300 dementia caregivers in Texas (100 African American, 100 Hispanic or Latinx, and 100 non-Hispanic White). Participants will use the digital platform for about 4 weeks and evaluate its usefulness and ease of use through the Technology Acceptance Survey. The study received funding from the National Institute on Aging on September 3, 2021. Ethical approval for phase I was obtained from the Texas A&M University Institutional Review Board on December 8, 2021, with data collection starting on January 1, 2022, and concluding on May 31, 2022. Phase I results were published on September 5, 2023, and April 17, 2024, respectively. On June 21, 2023, ethical approval for human subjects for phase II was granted, and participant recruitment began on July 1, 2023. Upon completing these aims, we expect to deliver a widely accessible digital platform tailored to assist dementia caregivers with financial and legal challenges by connecting them to personalized, contextually relevant information and resources in Texas. If successful, we plan to work with caregiving organizations to scale and sustain the platform, addressing the needs of the growing population living with dementia. DERR1-10.2196/64127.