A Qualitative Study of the Usability and Likability of a Virtual Group-Based Social Support Program for Older Adults in Residential Care

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Loneliness
• social support
• older adults
• digital literacy
• qualitative methods

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

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that funding was provided by a Mitacs Accelerate Grant in collaboration with George Brown College and Java Group Programs Inc.