The Effect of Wearable Technology-Enhanced Intervention on Family Caregivers

Izmir University of Economics44 enrolled

Overview

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a smartwatch-supported intervention on the self-efficacy and quality of life of informal caregivers providing care to individuals with dementia. Informal caregiving, especially in dementia, poses significant psychological and physical challenges. Low self-efficacy among caregivers can negatively impact their coping skills, health behaviors, and overall quality of life. The intervention used commercially available smartwatches that provided real-time data on physical activity, sleep, and stress levels. These devices were used as part of a 8-week caregiver support program aimed at promoting self-care, stress awareness, and time management. This randomized controlled trial involved 44 participants, who were assigned to either the intervention group (smartwatch-supported care) or the control group (usual care). Outcome measures included caregiver self-efficacy and quality of life, assessed both before and after the intervention using validated instruments. The study hypothesized that caregivers in the intervention group would demonstrate improved self-efficacy and better quality of life compared to those in the control group.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Interventions

Smartwatch-Supported Caregiver InterventionOTHER

This intervention involved informal caregivers of people with dementia using smartwatches to monitor and manage their own health parameters over an 8-week period. The primary goal was to enhance caregivers' self-efficacy and overall well-being by providing real-time health data through wearable technology. Caregivers were introduced to the smartwatch features, which included heart rate monitoring, inactivity alerts, sleep tracking, stress level monitoring, weight tracking, water intake reminders, and blood oxygen level measurements. Caregivers were instructed to track these parameters using the smartwatch and record their health behaviors in provided diaries.Weekly phone consultations lasting no more than 5 minutes were conducted throughout the 8-week intervention, where caregivers' use of the smartwatch and diaries was reviewed, and general discussions about their health and caregiving experiences took place. The intervention aimed to integrate health self-monitoring into the caregi

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * a) Able to speak and understand Turkish, b) Primarily responsible for the care of the PwD, c) Provides at least 4 hours of care per day, d) Owns a smartphone (for smartwatch integration), e) Able to use both a mobile phone and a smartwatch (adherence tested through a descriptive characteristic form), f) Willing to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * a)Hospitalization of patient or caregiver due to acute condition, b) Caregiver's visual or hearing impairment, c) New diagnosis affecting caregiver's mental health (e.g., depression).

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy

According to Bandura's 'Social Cognitive Learning Theory' self-efficacy refers to an individual's confidence in their ability to perform a challenging activity. This concept plays a crucial role in managing daily tasks and effectively coping with difficulties. Individuals with high self-efficacy are more motivated and resilient in facing challenges.

Time frame: 0, 2, and 6 months (measured at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months)

Short Form 36 Quality of Life Scale

Quality of life was assessed to understand the impact of the intervention on the caregivers' overall well-being. The caregivers' quality of life was measured using a validated scale that evaluated physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental factors.