Usability and Feasibility of the Smart Aged-Care Helper Application for Caregivers of Dependent Elderly Individuals in Suphan Buri, Thailand

Authors

  • Orranuch Chusri Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5850-5656
  • Renu Kwanyuen Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
  • Doungnetre Thummakul Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
  • Sresuda Wongwiseskul Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
  • Natrapee Jaingam Faculty of Nursing, Suan Dusit University, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
  • Peerayut Rattanaselanon Suphan Buri Public Health Office, Suphan Buri Province, 72000, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.020

Abstract

Background: It is widely acknowledged that the engagement of family caregivers and older adults with dependence is important for primary health care centres. Objective: This study will examine the feasibility and usability of the “Ageing Screening Health” application for caregivers of dependent older adults. Methods: The "Aging Screening Health" application was evaluated in two dimensions. Seven experts evaluated the technical quality in the first dimension, while 25 end users evaluated the level of satisfaction in the second dimension. The sample was selected by purposive sampling and consisted of caregivers of older adults in Song Phi Nong District, Suphan Buri Province, Thailand. The research instruments were the “Screening Ageing Health” application, the Applications Capabilities Questionnaire, and the questionnaire on satisfaction of end users. Data analysis was conducted using means and standard deviations. Results: The quality of the "Screening Ageing Health" application for caregivers of older adults with dependence was very good, with a mean score of 96.57 (SD= 3.31), and the users' satisfaction levels were also good, with a mean score of 90.24 (SD= 4.73). Conclusion: The ASH application demonstrated good overall usability and satisfaction, effectively managing health promotion plans to meet the health needs of the elderly in the community. However, village health volunteers with limited health literacy due to cognitive impairment require active planning for future brain training and stimulation.

Keywords:

Caregiver, Mobile Applications, Village Health Volunteer, Older Adult with Dependence

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Bangkok Post (2020). Thailand’s exceptional strengths as the world’s medical hub. Bangkok Post Business News. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/1933812/thailands-exceptional-strengths-as-the-worlds-medical-hub. Accessed on 26th August 2023.

Boza-Chua, A., & Andrade-Arenas, L. (2022). Inclusive Education: Mobile App for Students with Hearing Impairment. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 16(18). https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i18.33857

Cazañas, A., de San Miguel, A., & Parra, E. (2017). Estimating sample size for usability testing. Enfoque UTE, 8, 172-185. https://doi.org/10.29019/enfoqueute.v8n1.126

Ceyhan, B., Bek, S., & Onal-Suzek, T. (2024). Smart Wristband Monitoring: A Caregiver-Oriented Mobile Application for Tracking Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients. MedRxiv, 2024-05. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.31.24307874

Doungphummes, N., Tantivejakul, N., & Sangsingkeo, N. (2022). A Qualitative Study of the Self-Directed Learning and Collective Power of Thai Village Health Volunteers in COVID-19 Prevention. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-951348/v1

Ghelani, D. P., Moran, L. J., Johnson, C., Mousa, A., & Naderpoor, N. (2020). Mobile apps for weight management: a review of the latest evidence to inform practice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 412. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00412

Heiney, S. P., Donevant, S. B., Adams, S. A., Parker, P. D., Chen, H., & Levkoff, S. (2020). A smartphone app for self-management of heart failure in older African Americans: feasibility and usability study. JMIR Aging, 3(1), e17142. https://doi.org/10.2196/17142

Jongstra, S., Wijsman, L. W., Cachucho, R., Hoevenaar-Blom, M. P., Mooijaart, S. P., & Richard, E. (2017). Cognitive testing in people at increased risk of dementia using a smartphone app: the iVitality proof-of-principle study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 5(5), e6939. https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.6939

Kaew-nate, P. (2021). Digital Business Transformation: Digital Culture Before Technology. Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences, 17(1), 78-84. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sduhs/article/view/268157

Kim, H., Lee, S. H., Cho, N. B., You, H., Choi, T., & Kim, J. (2020). User-dependent usability and feasibility of a swallowing training mhealth app for older adults: mixed methods pilot study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(7), e19585. https://doi.org/10.2196/19585

Lee, T., Seohyun, K., & Park, S. (2023). Mobile health applications for communication between caregivers of community-dwelling older adults: A scoping review. Geriatric Nursing, 52, 172-180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.06.011

Lim, J. Y., Kim, Y., Yeo, S. M., Chae, B. J., Yu, J., & Hwang, J. H. (2023). Feasibility and usability of a personalized mHealth app for self-management in the first year following breast cancer surgery. Health Informatics Journal, 29(1), 14604582231156476. https://doi.org/10.1177/14604582231156476

Lwin, M. O., Sheldenkar, A., & Panchapakesan, C. (2021). A digital mobile community app for caregivers in Singapore: predevelopment and usability study. JMIR Nursing, 4(2), e25679. https://doi.org/10.2196/25679

Marston, H. R., & Musselwhite, C. B. (2021). Improving older people’s lives through digital technology and practices. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 7, 23337214211036255. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211036255

Mayasari, A. C., Rochmah, L., Syadiyah, H., Kirana, S. A. C., Mutyah, D., & Poddar, S. (2022). Relationship between Family Support and Elderly Independence in Fulfilling Daily Activities. Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR), 6(4), 15-19. https://ejournal.lucp.net/index.php/mjmr/article/view/1754

Mendez, K. J. W., Labrique, A. B., Budhathoki, C., Sadak, T., Tanner, E. K., Cotter, V. T., & Han, H. R. (2023). Use of mobile applications and health technologies among dementia caregivers with chronic conditions: A cross-sectional study. Digital Health, 9, 20552076231181213. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207623118121

Ministry of Public Health. (2022). Bureau of Elderly Health Annual Report 2020. https://eh.anamai.moph.go.th/web-pload/10x2f8665bc5c6742a30312c81435ca284e/filecenter/Annual report file/Annual report 2020.pdf

NIDA Poll. (2022). Thai elderly take care for society, don’t they? https://nidapoll.nida.ac.th/survey_detail?survey_id=38

Nielsen, J., & Loranger, H. (2006). Prioritizing web usability. Pearson Education. https://www.nngroup.com/books/prioritizing-web-usability/

Nooyod, W., Singthongchai, J., & Singthongchai, M. (2022). The Development of an Application for Tourist Attractions in Chanthaburi Province. Science and Technology Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University Journal, 14(19), 96-106. (in Thai). https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JSTNSRU/article/view/245398/167056

Sanprakhon, P., Chusri, O., Suriyawong, W., & Banharak, S. (2023). Pilot testing of the strengthening caregiving activities program for Thai informal caregivers of dependent older people. Geriatric Nursing, 51, 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.03.014

Sen, K., Prybutok, G., & Prybutok, V. (2022). The use of digital technology for social wellbeing reduces social isolation in older adults: A systematic review. SSM-Population Health, 17, 101020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.101020

Sornmai, W., Silawan, . T. ., Chamroonsawasdi, K. ., Saengsawang, P. ., & Hanchenlak, C. . (2023). Role of Village Health Volunteers in Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Public Health Policy and Laws Journal, 9(2), 309–322. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journallaw/article/view/264448. Accessed on 19th June 2023.

Sousa, M. M. D., Almeida, T. D. C. F., Gouveia, B. D. L. A., Freire, M. E. M., & Oliveira, S. H. D. S. (2021). Validation of persuasive audiovisual communication to reduce salt consumption by people with heart failure. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 55, e03751. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-220X2020006503751

Thai Health Promotion Foundation. (2022). Digital Elderly Course, Gifts for the New Year 2022. https://www.thaihealth.or.th/?p=236858 . Accessed on 20th July 2023.

Thummakul, D., Kwanyuen, R., Chusri, O., & Jaingam, N. (2023). The Effectiveness of Enhancing the Potential of Caregivers in Managing Health Care for the Dependent Older Adults. Journal of Health and Nursing Research (Journal of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Bangkok), 38(3), 105–116. https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=Zu-0RQUAAAAJ&citation_for_view=Zu-0RQUAAAAJ:roLk4NBRz8UC. Accessed on 15th July 2023.

Tu, W., Yan, S., Yin, T., Zhang, S., Xu, W., Zhang, P., & Xu, G. (2023). Mobile-based program improves healthy eating of ulcerative colitis patients: A pilot study. Digital Health, 9, 20552076231205741. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076231205741

Whitelaw, S., Mamas, M. A., Topol, E., & Van Spall, H. G. (2020). Applications of digital technology in COVID-19 pandemic planning and response. The Lancet Digital Health, 2(8), e435-e440. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30142-4

World Economic Forum. (2021). What is the biggest benefit technology will have on ageing and longevity? How will new technologies benefit ageing and longevity? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org). https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/03/what-is-the-biggest-benefit-technology-ageing-longevity-global-future-council-tech-for good/#:~:text=The%20biggest%20benefit%20technology%20can,now%20than%20before%20the%20pandemic. Accessed on 16th July 2023.

Zgonec, S. (2021). Mobile apps supporting people with dementia and their carers: Literature Review and Research Agenda. IFAC-Papers Online, 54(13), 663-668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2021.10.527

Published

25-07-2024

How to Cite

Chusri, O., Kwanyuen, R., Thummakul, D., Wongwiseskul, S. ., Jaingam, N., & Rattanaselanon, P. . (2024). Usability and Feasibility of the Smart Aged-Care Helper Application for Caregivers of Dependent Elderly Individuals in Suphan Buri, Thailand. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 16(1), 202-211. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.020

Metrics