This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new online platform, 656 Online Platform, in Hong Kong in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence of caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.
The informal caregivers of older adults with serious health problems, especially for stroke, dementia, and fracture, are facing numerous caregiving stress. The online platform can be a cost-effective way to support caregivers and reduce their caregiving stress. A new online platform, the 655 Online Platform, was developed by St. James Settlement in Hong Kong, to provide caregivers with appropriate information and support, attempting to reduce their pressure. Therefore, this study was launched to evaluate the efficacy of a new online platform in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence in caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement. A longitudinal open-trial study design was applied (N=287) with outcome measures administered at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 15-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, caregiver preparedness, and competence. The user profile was explored by comparing the characteristics of participants in user group and non-user group. User satisfaction and engagement were also reported.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
287
The 656 Platform provides valuable information regarding three common ailments among the elderly, namely stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures. Serving as an online platform, the 656 Platform incorporates a Chatbot feature that facilitates connections between local caregivers, social workers, and community members to various services. Serving as an online platform, the 656 Platform incorporates an AI Chatbot and a Live Chat feature that facilitates connections between local caregivers, social workers, and community members to various services. Apart from this, the 656 Platform offers several features that enhance its functionality and user experience, including problem-based elderly resource database, interim care solutions, exchange forum, data analytics and research, and professional knowledge and resources.
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Caregiver stress
Caregiver stress was measured by Modified Caregiver Strain Index (C-M-CSI). It consists of 13 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 26. Each item is rated by a score of 0 (no), 1 (yes, sometimes) or 2 (yes, always). A higher score suggests a higher amount of strain felt by caregivers. The C-M-CSI demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese population.
Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months
Preparedness for caregiving
Preparedness for caregiving was measured by the Chinese version of Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. The scale consists of 8 items that ask careers how well prepared they believe they are for multiple domains of caregiving. Each item is rated by a five-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all prepared) to 4 (very well prepared) with a total score from 0 to 32. The scale showed good reliability and validity in the Chinese population.
Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months
Caregiver competence
Caregiver competence was measured by the Chinese version of Caregiver Competence Scale (CCS-C).The scale includes 4 items to assess the sufficiency of a caregiver's performance as administered by the caregiver. A higher score indicates a better sense of competence. The CCS-C demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese caregivers.
Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months
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