Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool

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.

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 biomedical health apps tailored to their individual requirements.

HART operates by gathering targeted information from users regarding their specific needs, accessibility considerations, available supports, and technology literacy through a brief intake survey. A sophisticated matching algorithm then evaluates these user profiles against a library of health apps that have been objectively reviewed, providing a curated list of the most suitable applications for each caregiver. This personalized approach aims to facilitate the adoption and sustained use of health apps, thereby enhancing caregivers' health and quality of life.

Preliminary evaluations indicate that HART holds promise in setting a new standard in personalized health technology, offering a practical solution for dementia caregivers navigating the extensive and uncharted landscape of biomedical health applications that address their individual and multifaceted needs. By simplifying the process of finding suitable health technologies, HART not only alleviates the burden on caregivers but also empowers them to manage their own health and caregiving responsibilities more effectively. The ongoing refinement and evaluation of HART are crucial to ensuring its effectiveness and widespread adoption, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for dementia caregivers and their care recipients.

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