Field-testing an iCST touch-screen application with people with dementia and carers: a mixed method study

Rai, Harleen Kaur; Griffiths, Rebecca; Yates, Lauren; Schneider, Justine; Orrell, Martin

Abstract

Objectives: To test the individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) application with people with dementia and carers in order to modify and refine the application, and improve its usability. In an iterative development process, two different prototypes were used to elicit the subjects’ views and preferences. This application may address the current need for more innovative approaches to support people with dementia and their carers.

Methods: An opportunistic sample of 13 people with dementia and 13 carers participated in four focus groups and ten semi-structured interviews to obtain feedback in key areas, including the layout and content of the application, and the experience of its use as a dyad. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. An additional 18 people with dementia and 16 carers completed a short usability and acceptability questionnaire regarding a subsequent version of the iCST application prototype.

Results: Most participants expressed enthusiasm about the iCST application, its usability, design, and content. Participants highlighted the importance of adaptability to individual preferences, indicating a need for a wider range of activities and flexibility in the use of the application. Furthermore, participants reported perceived benefits, including mental stimulation, quality time spent together, and enjoyment. The application was rated slightly better by carers than people with dementia in terms of usability and acceptability.

Conclusions: This study gives insights from people with dementia and carers concerning the usability, feasibility, and perceived benefits of the iCST application. The feedback will be incorporated in an updated version of the iCST application for commercial release.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 8, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jun 24, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Jul 1, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 25, 2021
• Journal: Aging & Mental Health
• Print ISSN: 1360-7863
• Electronic ISSN: 1364-6915
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1008-1018
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2020.1783515
• Keywords: Phychiatric Mental Health; Gerontology; Geriatrics and Gerontology; Psychiatry and Mental health
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4736868
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2020.1783515
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=camh20; Received: 2019-11-06; Accepted: 2020-06-08; Published: 2020-06-24