Exploring the feasibility of an individual cognitive stimulation therapy application and related technology for use by people with dementia and carers in Indonesia: A mixed-method study

Rai, Harleen Kaur; Prasetya, Virginia Geraldine Hanny; Sani, Tara Puspitarini; Theresia, Imelda; Tumbelaka, Patricia; Turana, Yuda; Schneider, Justine; Orrell, Martin

Abstract

Background
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia and can benefit cognition and quality of life. A touch-screen individualised CST (iCST) application has been developed to improve on accessibility and provide increased interactivity. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of people with dementia, carers and healthcare professionals in Indonesia towards the iCST application and related technology.

Methods
Four focus groups were organised: one comprising family carers (n = 3), two comprising people with dementia and family carers (n = 12) and one made up of family carers and home care workers (n = 3). Participants discussed the uses of technology, tried out the iCST application and completed a usability and acceptability questionnaire. Furthermore, 21 healthcare professionals attended an expert meeting to discuss the potential of implementing the iCST application in the community.

Results
Attitudes towards technology were positive but lack of experience, difficulties with operating devices and a limited infrastructure to support technology were described as barriers. The iCST application was seen as an interesting tool to support mental stimulation. Compared with people with dementia, carers were more willing to use the application and rated its usability higher. Healthcare professionals were positive about the interactive features of the application and judged that it could be useful within the family context.

Discussion
Low-cost and low-infrastructure technology like iCST can meet the needs for stimulation of people with dementia in Indonesia and other countries. By understanding the attitudes of people with dementia and carers towards IT and their willingness to adopt technology like the iCST application, we are better placed to overcome potential obstacles to its implementation. It appears that systemic changes are needed to facilitate wider use of IT particularly in dementia care. These include needs to empower end users, strengthen access and connectivity to technology, and improve diagnostic support.

Citation

Rai, H. K., Prasetya, V. G. H., Sani, T. P., Theresia, I., Tumbelaka, P., Turana, Y., …Orrell, M. (2021). Exploring the feasibility of an individual cognitive stimulation therapy application and related technology for use by people with dementia and carers in Indonesia: A mixed-method study. Dementia, https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012211018003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 15, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 15, 2021
• Publication Date: May 15, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 19, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 25, 2021
• Journal: Dementia
• Print ISSN: 1471-3012
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-2684
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012211018003
• Keywords: Sociology and Political Science; General Social Sciences; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5535739
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14713012211018003