ABSTRACT
Objectives
Despite social engagement being a robust predictor of wellbeing for older adults living in residential care, social programming ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic to abide by social distancing guidelines. Consequently, a tablet-based program called the Java Music Club-Digital (JMC-D) was developed. The JMC-D enables residents to engage with peers through discussion and singing from the safety of their own rooms. This study investigated the likability and usability of the JMC-D for older adults living in residential care and recreation staff.
Methods
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with seven residents and three recreation coordinators. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
Three themes emerged: 1) Addressing a need, 2) Factors that affect virtual social connection, and 3) Usability. Interest in future participation in the JMC-D program varied depending on certain personal characteristics including comfort with computers, openness to new experiences, and existing social network.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that the JMC-D is likeable and usable for residents and recreation coordinators.
Clinical implications
Study findings can be applied by researchers and residential care staff who wish to increase the use of virtual social programs to improve the psychosocial health of residents. Constructive feedback was incorporated into the platform.
Clinical implications
Feedback from recreation coordinators and residents suggest that JMC-D is likeable and usable for many participants and that perceived usability and likability is influenced by technological literacy, existing degree of social immersion, openness to experience and exposure.
Including stakeholders in the development of social programs through participatory action research and development is essential to ensure likability and usability of digitalized programs.
Study findings are important for future researchers, program developers and residential care staff who are interested in increasing the use of virtual programs that may foster social engagement when physical distancing is required.
Acknowledgments
Funding was provided by a Mitacs Accelerate Grant in collaboration with George Brown College and Java Group Programs Inc. Geneva Millett was supported by an Alzheimer’s Society and a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council doctoral scholarships. We thank our participants for their contributions.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (AJF) upon reasonable request.
Supplementary material
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2022.2157357