Randomized controlled feasibility study of FindMyApps: first evaluation of a tablet-based intervention to promote self-management and meaningful activities in people with mild dementia

Abstract

Objectives

We tested the feasibility, implementation strategy and mechanism of impact of FindMyApps. FindMyApps is a tablet intervention consisting of a selection tool to help people with dementia find usable apps for self-management and meaningful activities, including training to support informal carers in employing errorless learning principles to help people with dementia learn tablet and tool usage.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory, pilot randomized controlled trial with a mixed-methods design. Twenty persons with mild dementia and carer dyads were randomly assigned to the FindMyApps group (n = 10), receiving either the FindMyApps training and selection tool, or a control condition (n = 10), receiving only a short tablet training. Pre- and post-test measurements at a three month follow-up, consisted of questionnaires and post-test semi-structured interviews.

Results

The FindMyApps tool was mostly perceived as useful and easy to use. Persons with dementia were generally able to learn how to use the tool, though they regularly needed support from informal carers. Persons with dementia found apps through the tool, which they used regularly. Persons with dementia and informal carers were positive about the training and support they received. No significant differences were found on outcome measures of persons with dementia, but based on effect sizes FindMyApps is a promising intervention.

Conclusions

Qualitative results indicate that the FindMyApps intervention has the potential to positively influence the self-management abilities and engagement in meaningful activities of people with dementia. Remarks are made to improve the intervention and recommendations are given for future effectiveness studies.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The person-centred tablet intervention FindMyApps has the potential to positively influence the self-management and engagement in meaningful activities in people with dementia.

• Based on the input of persons with dementia and informal carers, the FindMyApps intervention and study procedure will be further improved and evaluated in terms of effectiveness in an RCT.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• tablet computers
• randomized controlled feasibility study
• self-management
• meaningful activities

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants for sharing their experiences and cooperation. We are grateful to the staff of care organization Sensire, the meeting centres in Enschede (the Netherlands) and Dutch Alzheimer Association for their cooperation in recruitment. We thank the developers and designers of the software provider for their fruitful cooperation. Finally, we are grateful to the nursing students of the sector Health of Saxion University of Applied Sciences for their contribution to this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded through an educational grant from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.