Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool (HART), an evidence-based tool that evaluates app features and matches them to the needs, abilities, and preferences of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) or their caregivers. This novel tool is not an app in and of itself, but rather an assessment tool used to determine how well suited a given app is for a member of the ADRD or caregiver population. Specifically, the objective of this research is to assess the acceptability of the current HART design among target end-users in their individual contexts. The overarching goal of this project is to connect those in the ADRD community with available, usable, and effective digital tools to promote the highest possible level of health and wellness in community settings. To achieve this goal, the study will recruit 15 family caregivers living with their loved ones with ADRD, who will trial HART and provide feedback. Participation will include two data collection sessions (pre-intervention and post-intervention) within a four-week trial period. Participants will be asked to complete the HART, explore the recommended apps, and provide feedback on HART's usability through several brief surveys.
Description
Dementia caregiving is a growing challenge predominantly shouldered by young and middle-aged adults, who often face significant physical and mental health needs. Despite the availability of numerous smart health technologies capable of addressing these needs, caregivers frequently encounter difficulties identifying appropriate health applications due to the overwhelming number of options and lack of clear guidance. Proposed Solution: To bridge this gap, the Health App Recommendation Tool (HART) has been developed as a user-friendly platform designed to connect dementia caregivers with biomedi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 * Serving as an active caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia * Have access to smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, or with severe cognitive decline, will be excluded * Participants who do not provide caregiving on a routine basis (e.g., part-time or secondary caregivers) will be excluded * Participants who do not own or have access to any smart device will be excluded
Interventions
- OtherHealth App Recommendation Tool (HART)
In 2023, over 11 million family members provided 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care for people with dementia in the U.S. Caregivers face significant physical and emotional challenges, while many individuals with ADRD prefer to stay in their homes. Mobile health apps offer support but often lack user-friendly guidance and are hard to navigate. The Health App Recommendation Tool (HART) bridges this gap by assisting ADRD caregivers in finding suitable health apps. It evaluates users' daily needs and preferences, using end-user informed points of measurement to match them with objectively reviewed apps within the HART App Library. This user-centered tool, shaped by ongoing feedback, simplifies app discovery, ensuring personalized recommendations that enhance caregiving and improve quality of life.
Location
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania