Evaluation of an Electronic App Developed to Assist Clinicians in the Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

ABSTRACT

Behavioral and psychological symptoms in people with dementia (BPSD) are ubiquitous, but their management is suboptimal. More readily available evidence-based information for clinicians could assist in improving care. While technological advances now make such information available, evidence for their utility and acceptance is limited. The utility of an Application (App) was evaluated to support clinicians managing BPSD. Evaluation comprised qualitative feedback from senior Australian clinicians and worldwide user analytic data. Analytic data included numbers of active users, their demographics, and details of user sessions. Focus groups were conducted regarding accessibility, usability, and usefulness of the App. Clinicians reported that the App was useful in supporting them to care for persons presenting with BPSD, by providing ready access to information. Over time uptake worldwide steadily increased. The BPSD Guide App has the capacity to provide clinicians with access to evidence-based information. Outcomes will inform future development and updates.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the significant contribution from clinicians throughout Australia.

Funding

The Dementia Collaborative Research Centre at UNSW Australia was funded by the Australian Government to undertake this evaluation as an independent research organization.

Additional information

Funding

The Dementia Collaborative Research Centre at UNSW Australia was funded by the Australian Government to undertake this evaluation as an independent research organization.

Notes on contributors

Kim Burns

Kim Burns is a Research Psychologist at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with a background in psychogeriatric nursing. Current collaborative projects include developing and evaluating an eLearning resource and a national knowledge translation program supporting the implementation of evidence-based resources, including Apps, into practice for those supporting people with dementia.

Ranmalie Jayasinha

Ranmalie Jayasinha is a Research Associate at UNSW and received her PhD in Public Health from UNSW in 2015. Ranmalie’s research interests include Indigenous and migrant health, cultural competence in health care settings as well as developing and evaluating eHealth education programs.

Henry Brodaty

Henry Brodaty AO, MB BS, MD, DSc, FRANZCP, FAAHMS is Director, Dementia Collaborative Research Centre at UNSW; Scientia Professor, Ageing and Mental Health, School of Psychiatry UNSW; Consultant Psychogeriatrician, Aged Care Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital and Past-President, International Psychogeriatric Association. He is a leading dementia advocate and researcher internationally who has published extensively.