Dementia caregivers training needs and preferences for online interventions: A mixed‐methods study

Abstract

Aim To explore how informal caregivers of persons with dementia perceive training needs and preferences in the context of online training and support interventions. Background Informal dementia caregivers commonly present high needs across several domains. Paradoxically, they are more likely to have unmet needs and lower levels of service usage when compared to other caregivers. Most studies on unmet needs of dementia caregivers have been quantitative and resorted to assessment checklists, with a minority focusing on subjective needs. Design Mixed‐methods. Methods Eighty‐eight Portuguese digitally literate caregivers filled a web‐based questionnaire collecting written statements on training needs and importance ratings on design preferences. Content analysis of text data was carried out by two independent researchers to check the reliability of the analytic process. Descriptive statistics were produced for ratings on design preferences, and associations with caregivers' sociodemographic and care‐related variables were inspected. Reporting followed the criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist. Results Five main categories of training needs have emerged: knowledge of dementia; care interactions; caregiver self‐care; community resources; and laws or regulations affecting the caregiver and the care recipient. The most reported need was on care interactions, on the subcategory of providing good quality care. Thematic prominence was analysed according to the caregiver, caregiving and health perception characteristics, with trends found on formal education, relationship with the care recipient, number of hours caring per week, perceived level of dependence of the care recipient and perceived physical and psychological health status of the caregiver. Most valued design features included the use of plain language, easy to interact interface and communication with a professional. Conclusions Findings from this study further support the delivery of comprehensive interventions addressing the multiple needs of caregivers. Relevance to clinical practice Clues are provided for the delivery of online interventions, and conclusions are useful to health professionals working with dementia caregivers.

User feedback and usability testing of an online training and support program for dementia carers

“…Concerning interaction with professionals in online interventions, participants in this study were perhaps more hesitant than what is usually reported in the literature ( Klein and Cook, 2010 ). We have concluded in previous research that professional mediation in online interventions is less preferred by informal dementia carers caring for longer ( Teles et al, 2020b ). In this study, the average duration of caregiving was of 6.1 (focus groups) and 4.1 (usability tests) years.…”

“…iSupport-Portugal is among the first culturally adapted versions of the program ( Teles et al, 2020a ). A five-step methodological approach was used to adapt iSupport to Portugal comprising: 1) needs assessment ( Teles et al, 2021 ; Teles et al, 2020b ); 2) content translation of the program by an authorized translator, and technical accuracy check of the translation by health and social support professionals; 3) cultural adaptation (semantic and conceptual equivalence of expressions, adaptation to cultural habits, traditions, local resources, and practices); 4) independent appraisal of contents by a panel of experts; and 5) fidelity check by WHO ( Teles et al, 2020a ).…”

“…In examining the potential of internet interventions in general, and of iSupport in particular, to bridge such gaps, the attitudes of digitally literate Portuguese carers towards online interventions were prospectively appraised and found to be positive ( Teles et al, 2020c ). Carers' training needs were assessed, and the most prominent needs categories matched the themes approached in iSupport ( Teles et al, 2020b ). In analysing carers' preferences for design features of online interventions, it was concluded that many of the most valued features were embedded in iSupport (e.g., personalization) ( Teles et al, 2020b ).…”

“…Carers' training needs were assessed, and the most prominent needs categories matched the themes approached in iSupport ( Teles et al, 2020b ). In analysing carers' preferences for design features of online interventions, it was concluded that many of the most valued features were embedded in iSupport (e.g., personalization) ( Teles et al, 2020b ). In that study, the second most valued feature of an online intervention was its easiness of use (after plain language) ( Teles et al, 2020b ), highlighting the significance of systematically testing iSupport's usability.…”

“…In analysing carers' preferences for design features of online interventions, it was concluded that many of the most valued features were embedded in iSupport (e.g., personalization) ( Teles et al, 2020b ). In that study, the second most valued feature of an online intervention was its easiness of use (after plain language) ( Teles et al, 2020b ), highlighting the significance of systematically testing iSupport's usability. Currently, there are no published reports on the usability of iSupport, 1 thus this paper offers a novel examination of the program.…”