Dementia care partners and others highly value iGeriCare e-learning: Pilot evaluation using the IAM4all (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Care partners of people living with dementia may benefit from online education. We developed iGeriCare, an award-winning internet-based platform with 12 multimedia e-learning lessons about dementia. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate users’ perceptions of impact. METHODS From March 17, 2021-May 16, 2022, data were collected upon lesson completion. We used the content-validated Information Assessment Method for patients and the public (IAM4all) adapted for dementia care partners. The IAM4all questionnaire assesses outcomes of online consumer health information. Responses were collected using SurveyMonkey. RESULTS 409 responses were collected, with a 95% survey completion rate. 44% identified as a family or friend care partner, and 21% as an individual concerned they may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. 93% identified the lesson as relevant (29%) or very relevant (64%). 99% understood the lesson well or very well. Respondents were motivated to learn more (58%), taught something new (54%), validated what they do (53%), reassured (47%), or refreshed their memory (38%). 98% said they would use the information: in particular, to better understand something (71%), discuss the information with someone else (52%), do things differently (34%), or do something (31%). Most free text feedback comments reported a positive sentiment. CONCLUSIONS Users identified iGeriCare as relevant, beneficial, and that they would use the information. To our knowledge, this is the first time the IAM4all has been used to assess patient and caregiver feedback on internet-based dementia education resources. A randomized controlled trial to study feasibility and impact on caregiver knowledge, self-efficacy, and burden is planned.