scholarly journals Feasibility of a Web-Based Psychoeducation Course and Experiences of Caregivers Living With a Person With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Laine ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Heli Hirvonen ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that burdens both patients and caregivers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a web-based psychoeducation course targeted at caregivers of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and to describe their experiences of living with a person with SSD based on the material caregivers produced during the web-based course. METHODS A convergent, parallel, mixed methods study design was used. First, caregivers’ engagement in the course was evaluated quantitatively. Second, the overview of the course feedback was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, the experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD were analyzed qualitatively with the thematic analysis of the writings caregivers produced during the web-based course. RESULTS A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study and a web-based psychoeducation course. Less than two-thirds (18/30, 60%) completed the course. Content was most often logged for the first module, <i>Orientation</i> (3465 log-ins), and the lowest number of log-ins was recorded for the <i>Daily life</i> module (1061 log-ins). Feedback on the course varied; over half (10/17, 59%) of the caregivers considered the content to be very good or good, about half (9/17, 53%) considered the website layout to be good, only 6% (1/17) felt that the usability of the website was poor, and no one felt that it was very poor. From the reported experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD, 3 themes were formed: the caregiver’s own well-being, relationship with the person with SSD, and experience of health care services. CONCLUSIONS The web-based psychoeducation course for caregivers living with a person with SSD seems to be especially suitable for those who have little experience as a caregiver. In the future, more planning and the consideration of aspects related to the needs of specific target groups, course content, practical arrangements, and scheduling should be taken into account. In addition, although caregivers can improve their own well-being in different ways, they need regular support and cooperation from health care professionals. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Web-Based Psychoeducation Course and Experiences of Caregivers Living With a Person With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/25480 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e25480
Author(s):  
Anna Laine ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Heli Hirvonen ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
The Web

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that burdens both patients and caregivers. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a web-based psychoeducation course targeted at caregivers of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and to describe their experiences of living with a person with SSD based on the material caregivers produced during the web-based course. Methods A convergent, parallel, mixed methods study design was used. First, caregivers’ engagement in the course was evaluated quantitatively. Second, the overview of the course feedback was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, the experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD were analyzed qualitatively with the thematic analysis of the writings caregivers produced during the web-based course. Results A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study and a web-based psychoeducation course. Less than two-thirds (18/30, 60%) completed the course. Content was most often logged for the first module, Orientation (3465 log-ins), and the lowest number of log-ins was recorded for the Daily life module (1061 log-ins). Feedback on the course varied; over half (10/17, 59%) of the caregivers considered the content to be very good or good, about half (9/17, 53%) considered the website layout to be good, only 6% (1/17) felt that the usability of the website was poor, and no one felt that it was very poor. From the reported experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD, 3 themes were formed: the caregiver’s own well-being, relationship with the person with SSD, and experience of health care services. Conclusions The web-based psychoeducation course for caregivers living with a person with SSD seems to be especially suitable for those who have little experience as a caregiver. In the future, more planning and the consideration of aspects related to the needs of specific target groups, course content, practical arrangements, and scheduling should be taken into account. In addition, although caregivers can improve their own well-being in different ways, they need regular support and cooperation from health care professionals.

scholarly journals Does Sense make sense? Mixed methods study of a Dutch sexual health program

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Joosten ◽  
L Jochems ◽  
C Wijsen ◽  
T Heijman ◽  
A Timen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Open Atmosphere ◽  
Study Results

Abstract In the Netherlands, the Sense program addresses several key elements of sexual health for young people &lt;25 year. This program offers free consultations at the PHS concerning STI, contraceptives, pregnancy or sexuality. The performance of this program has not been studied yet. This mixed methods study investigates facilitators and barriers of a Sense consultation from the perspective of clients and health care professionals (HCP) and investigates the outcome of the consultation at three points in time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after consultation among 16 clients and 6 HCP. Questionnaires were collected directly after consultation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after consultation. Two cohorts were recruited; clients with STI consultation only and clients with questions related to sexuality, contraception and pregnancy (Sense consultation, SC). Satisfaction of the consultation and applicability of the given advice was measured. In the follow up presence of STI, pregnancy, sexual problem and contraceptive use was measured. A minority of the interviewed clients were familiar with Sense, highly valued the expertise of the HCP and the open atmosphere during the consultation. Reasons for visiting Sense included expertise, more anonymity and feeling more comfortable than at the GP. The questionnaire after consultation was returned by 144 STI clients and 32 SC clients. Both type of consultation were highly valued and advice was easily applicable. The follow up cohort included 97 STI clients and 23 SC clients. Response rate of the 3- and 6 month-questionnaires was 61%. Results of the full one year follow-up are expected in September 2019. Study results provide evidence for a highly valued Sense program, by both clients and HCP. Sense is a platform to discuss STI, contraception and sexuality in an open atmosphere, though familiarity with Sense is low. A major conclusion is that an STI consultation provides the opportunity to address questions related to sexuality. Key messages The Sense program is highly valued by young people, and yet the program is not widely known among young people. There is need for more publicity to the program to enable more young people to use this program and to improve the sexual health care of young Dutch people.

scholarly journals Development of a Caregivers’ Support Platform (Connected Health Sustaining Home Stay in Dementia): Protocol for a Longitudinal Observational Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/13280 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 13280
Author(s):  
Estefania Guisado-Fernandez ◽  
Brian Caulfield ◽  
Paula Alexandra Silva ◽  
Laura Mackey ◽  
David Singleton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Connected Health ◽  
At Home

Background Dementia disease is a chronic condition that leads a person with dementia (PwD) into a state of progressive deterioration and a greater dependence in performing their activities of daily living (ADL). It is believed nowadays that PwDs and their informal caregivers can have a better life when provided with the appropriate services and support. Connected Health (CH) is a new technology-enabled model of chronic care delivery where the stakeholders are connected through a health portal, ensuring continuity and efficient flow of information. CH has demonstrated promising results regarding supporting informal home care and Aging in Place, and it has been increasingly considered by researchers and health care providers as a method for dementia home care management. Objective This study aims to describe the development and implementation protocol of a CH platform system to support informal caregivers of PwDs at home. Methods This is a longitudinal observational mixed methods study where quantitative and qualitative data will be combined for determining the utility of the CH platform for dementia home care. Dyads, consisting of a PwD and their informal caregiver living in the community, will be divided into 2 groups: the intervention group, which will receive the CH technology package at home, and the usual care group, which will not have any CH technology at all. Dyads will be followed up for 12 months during which they will continue with their traditional care plan, but in addition, the intervention group will receive the CH package for their use at home during 6 months (months 3 to 9 of the yearly follow-up). Further comprehensive assessments related to the caregiver’s and PwD’s emotional and physical well-being will be performed at the initial assessment and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using international and standardized validated questionnaires and semistructured individual interviews. Results This 3-year funded study (2016-2019) is currently in its implementation phase and is expected to finish by December 2019. We believe that CH can potentially change the PwD current care model, facilitating a proactive and preventive model, utilizing self-management–based strategies, and enhancing caregivers’ involvement in the management of health care at home for PwDs. Conclusions We foresee that our CH platform will provide knowledge and promote autonomy for the caregivers, which may empower them into greater control of the care for PwDs, and with it, improve the quality of life and well-being for the person they are caring for and for themselves through a physical and cognitive decline predictive model. We also believe that facilitating information sharing between all the PwDs’ care stakeholders may enable a stronger relationship between them, facilitate a more coordinated care plan, and increase the feelings of empowerment in the informal caregivers. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13280

scholarly journals The Feasibility and Utility of a Personal Health Record for Persons With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers for Web-Based Care Coordination: Mixed Methods Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/17769 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e17769
Author(s):  
Colleen M Peterson ◽  
Jude P Mikal ◽  
Hayley R McCarron ◽  
Jessica M Finlay ◽  
Lauren L Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Care Provider ◽  
Personal Health Record ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Web Based

Background Managing the complex and long-term care needs of persons living with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) can adversely impact the health of informal caregivers and their care recipients. Web-based personal health records (PHRs) are one way to potentially alleviate a caregiver’s burden by simplifying ADRD health care management Objective This study aimed to evaluate Personal Health Record for Persons with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers (PHR-ADRD), a free web-based information exchange tool, using a multiphase mixed methods approach. Methods Dementia caregivers (N=34) were surveyed for their well-being and perceptions of PHR-ADRD feasibility and utility at 6 and 12 months using close- and open-ended questions as well as a semistructured interview (n=8). Exploratory analyses compared participants’ characteristics as well as PHR-ADRD use and experiences based on overall favorability status. Results Feasibility and utility scores decreased over time, but a subset of participants indicated that the system was helpful. Quantitative comparisons could not explain why some participants indicated favorable, neutral, or unfavorable views of the system overall or had not engaged with PHR-ADRD. Qualitative findings suggested that technology literacy and primary care provider buy-in were barriers. Both qualitative and qualitative findings indicated that time constraints to learn and use the system affected most participants. Conclusions Development and dissemination of PHRs for family caregivers of persons with ADRD should aim to make systems user-friendly for persons with limited time and technological literacy. Establishing health care provider buy-in may be essential to the future success of any PHR system.

scholarly journals Experiences of Using Web-Based and Mobile Technologies to Support Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kelly ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
David Morley
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising, placing increasing strain on health care services. Web-based and mobile technologies can be an important source of information and support for people with type 2 diabetes and may prove beneficial with respect to reducing complications due to mismanagement. To date, little research has been performed to gain an insight into people’s perspectives of using such technologies in their daily management. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of using Web-based and mobile technologies to support the management of type 2 diabetes. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 people with type 2 diabetes to explore experiences of using Web-based and mobile technologies to manage their diabetes. Transcripts were analyzed using the framework method. RESULTS Technology supported the users to maintain individualized and tailored goals when managing their health. A total of 7 themes were identified as important to participants when using technology to support self-management: (1) information, (2) understanding individual health and personal data, (3) reaching and sustaining goals, (4) minimizing disruption to daily life, (5) reassurance, (6) communicating with health care professionals, and (7) coordinated care. CONCLUSIONS Patients need to be supported to manage their condition to improve well-being and prevent diabetes-related complications from arising. Technologies enabled the users to get an in-depth sense of how their body reacted to both lifestyle and medication factors—something that was much more difficult with the use of traditional standardized information alone. It is intended that the results of this study will inform a new questionnaire designed to assess self-management in people using Web-based and mobile technology to manage their health.

scholarly journals The Feasibility and Utility of a Personal Health Record for Persons With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers for Web-Based Care Coordination: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen M Peterson ◽  
Jude P Mikal ◽  
Hayley R McCarron ◽  
Jessica M Finlay ◽  
Lauren L Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Care Provider ◽  
Personal Health Record ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Managing the complex and long-term care needs of persons living with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) can adversely impact the health of informal caregivers and their care recipients. Web-based personal health records (PHRs) are one way to potentially alleviate a caregiver’s burden by simplifying ADRD health care management OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate Personal Health Record for Persons with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers (PHR-ADRD), a free web-based information exchange tool, using a multiphase mixed methods approach. METHODS Dementia caregivers (N=34) were surveyed for their well-being and perceptions of PHR-ADRD feasibility and utility at 6 and 12 months using close- and open-ended questions as well as a semistructured interview (n=8). Exploratory analyses compared participants’ characteristics as well as PHR-ADRD use and experiences based on overall favorability status. RESULTS Feasibility and utility scores decreased over time, but a subset of participants indicated that the system was helpful. Quantitative comparisons could not explain why some participants indicated favorable, neutral, or unfavorable views of the system overall or had not engaged with PHR-ADRD. Qualitative findings suggested that technology literacy and primary care provider buy-in were barriers. Both qualitative and qualitative findings indicated that time constraints to learn and use the system affected most participants. CONCLUSIONS Development and dissemination of PHRs for family caregivers of persons with ADRD should aim to make systems user-friendly for persons with limited time and technological literacy. Establishing health care provider buy-in may be essential to the future success of any PHR system.

scholarly journals Validation and Acceptability of a Cuffless Wrist-Worn Wearable Blood Pressure Monitoring Device Among Users and Health Care Professionals: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Susie Cartledge ◽  
Chandan Karmakar ◽  
Jonathan Charles Rawstorn ◽  
Steve F Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Long Term Monitoring ◽  
Term Monitoring

BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) is an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, yet its long-term monitoring remains problematic. Wearable cuffless devices enable the capture of multiple BP measures during everyday activities and could improve BP monitoring, but little is known about their validity or acceptability. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate a wrist-worn cuffless wearable BP device and assess its acceptability among users and health care professionals. METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted to examine the validity and comparability of a wearable cuffless BP device against ambulatory and home devices. BP was measured simultaneously over 24 hours using wearable and ambulatory devices and over 7 days using wearable and home devices. Pearson correlation coefficients compared the degree of association between the measures, and limits of agreement (LOA; Bland-Altman plots) were generated to assess measurement bias. Semistructured interviews were conducted with users and 10 health care professionals to assess acceptability, facilitators, and barriers to using the wearable device. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 9090 BP measurements were collected from 20 healthy volunteers (mean 20.3 years, SD 5.4; N=10 females). Mean (SD) systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) measured using the ambulatory (24 hours), home (7 days), and wearable (7 days) devices were 126 (SD 10)/75 (SD 6) mm Hg, 112 (SD 10)/71 (SD 9) mm Hg and 125 (SD 4)/77 (SD 3) mm Hg, respectively. Mean (LOA) biases and precision between the wearable and ambulatory devices over 24 hours were 0.5 (−10.1 to 11.1) mm Hg for SBP and 2.24 (−17.6 to 13.1) mm Hg for DBP. The mean biases (LOA) and precision between the wearable and home device over 7 days were −12.7 (−28.7 to 3.4) mm Hg for SBP and −5.6 (−20.5 to 9.2) mm Hg for DBP. The wearable BP device was well accepted by participants who found the device easy to wear and use. Both participants and health care providers agreed that the wearable cuffless devices were easy to use and that they could be used to improve BP monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Wearable BP measures compared well against a gold-standard ambulatory device, indicating potential for this user-friendly method to augment BP management, particularly by enabling long-term monitoring that could improve treatment titration and increase understanding of users’ BP response during daily activity and stressors.

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