Impact of the FindMyApps program on people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and their caregivers; an exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

FindMyApps is a web-based selection-tool and errorless learning training program to help people with mild dementia/Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and caregivers find user-friendly apps. In preparation of a definitive trial, the impact and feasibility of the FindMyApps intervention on self-management and engagement in meaningful activities, including social participation, was explored.

Materials and methods

An exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial (trial registration approval number: NL7210) with pre/post measurements was conducted with community-dwelling people with mild dementia/MCI and their caregivers (n = 59) in the Netherlands. Dyads in the experimental group (n = 28) received training to use the tablet and FindMyApps, and the errorless learning method was taught to their caregivers. Control group dyads (n = 31) received a tablet (without FindMyApps), instructions on tablet-use and links to dementia-friendly apps. Validated instruments were used to assess person with dementia’s self-management, meaningful activities and social participation, caregiver’s sense of competence and both their quality of life.

Results and conclusions

No statistical significant group differences on the outcomes were found. Small to moderate effect-sizes in favour of the FindMyApps group were found for self-management and social participation. Caregivers tended to have more positive care experiences. Subgroup analyses showed that people older than 70 benefitted more from FindMyApps regarding self-management and higher educated people benefitted more regarding social participation. FindMyApps is feasible for the target group and may have potential to improve self-management and social participation. For a future definitive effectiveness trial a larger sample size is recommended, as well as taking into account the possible impact of education and age.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The FindMyApps program is feasible for people with dementia/MCI and may have potential to improve their self-management and social participation.

• Informal caregivers may develop a more positive care experience when utilizing FindMyApps to find suitable apps for self-management and social participation for the person with dementia/MCI.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• touch screen technology
• psychosocial interventions
• self-management
• social participation
• mild cognitive impairment

Acknowledgements

On behalf of all authors, we would like to express our gratitude to all the persons with dementia/MCI and their caregivers who participated in the FindMyApps study. We would also like to thank the student interviewers who were involved in the study from VU University, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and University of Amsterdam.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) action H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015 under Grant 676265; Foundation of Support VCVGZ under Grant 250; and Foundation Hofje Codde & Van Beresteyn.