Field-testing an iCST touch-screen application with people with dementia and carers: a mixed method study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Dementia Care

Background:

• Innovative digital tools are needed to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention for dementia.
• Adapting CST into an individual application (iCST) offers potential for wider accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability and refine the individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) application.
• To gather feedback from people with dementia and their carers on application design and content.
• To improve the iCST application's feasibility and perceived benefits for dyadic use.

Main Methods:

• Iterative development process involving two prototypes.
• Qualitative data collection through four focus groups and ten semi-structured interviews.
• Quantitative data collection via usability and acceptability questionnaires from 18 people with dementia and 16 carers.

Main Results:

• Participants expressed enthusiasm for the iCST application's usability, design, and content.
• Key feedback included the need for adaptability, a wider range of activities, and flexibility.
• Perceived benefits included mental stimulation, enhanced quality time, and enjoyment; carers rated usability slightly higher than people with dementia.

Conclusions:

• The iCST application is a feasible and usable tool for people with dementia and their carers.
• User feedback provides valuable insights for enhancing the application's effectiveness.
• Incorporated feedback will lead to an updated version for commercial release, addressing identified needs.