User Experience Study of Caregivers Using Communication Apps: A Case Study in Hospital-at-Home Emergency Scenarios

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Patient experience research
• Family caregiving studies

Background:

• Hospital-at-Home (HaH) models are expanding, offering acute care in residential settings.
• Family caregivers are integral to HaH success but face unique stressors.
• Existing HaH frameworks often lack robust support for family members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the lived experiences and challenges of families involved in Hospital-at-Home care.
• To identify key areas for improvement in family support within HaH settings.
• To propose a technological solution for enhancing family engagement and care coordination.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of family experiences in Hospital-at-Home settings.
• Development of Personas and User Journey Maps to represent family needs.
• Conceptualization of a platform application tailored to HaH family support.

Main Results:

• Identified significant challenges including caregiver stress, communication breakdowns, and information deficits.
• Highlighted the need for integrated digital tools to manage care and provide emotional support.
• Demonstrated the potential for a dedicated app to streamline data sharing and communication.

Conclusions:

• A dedicated platform application can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of Hospital-at-Home care for families.
• Addressing caregiver stress and information gaps is crucial for successful HaH implementation.
• Future iterations should expand to include healthcare professionals and global caregivers for collaborative care.