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

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.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• touch-screen application
• usability testing
• user experience

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the research participants who generously gave their time to test the iCST application and share their feedback with us. We would also like to express our gratitude to the research staff at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust who assisted with recruitment for the study and the organisation of the focus groups. The research presented in this paper was carried out as part of the Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) action, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015, under grant agreement number 676265.

Disclosure statement

Royalties from the sales of the iCST application (Thinkability) go to Eumedianet and the University of Nottingham and provide support for ongoing maintenance of the application including future updates.