Experiência do usuário em uma intervenção programada remota digital para pessoas com demência e cuidadores: um estudo piloto

Abstract

Introduction: According to the literature, individuals living with dementia may benefit more from cognitive stimulation interventions conducted in the comfort of their homes rather than in community centers. However, there is a paucity of research on the user experience in developing online cognitive training for individuals with dementia, delivered through remote digital devices. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the feasibility of such interventions, considering the unique needs and challenges faced by this population. Objective: To evaluate the usability and acceptability of a digital remote programmed intervention with focus on monitoring for people with dementia and carers. Method: Pilot feasibility study with mixed methods approach and focus group. The sample was composed of 19 participants from a cognitive training program in-person at the Gerontology outpatient clinic of HU-UFSCar, 10 people with dementia and nine caregivers, divided into two groups: Intervention, composed of nine participants; and Control, with 10 members. The allocation was made in a non-probabilistic way, respecting the order of arrival and acceptance to participate in the research. The intervention group participated in a cognitive stimulation training during the academic recess, with tasks focused on memory and temporal orientation. These activities were monitored through the Experience and Programmed Intervention Sampling Method (ESPIM), ensuring continuous and personalized monitoring. On the other hand, the control group performed the same tasks in printed format, but without the monitoring provided by ESPIM. The outcome measures included adherence rate, System Usability Scale (SUS) and feedback through a post-intervention focus group. The analysis of qualitative data was performed from the technique of Content Analysis of Bardin. For the analysis of quantitative data, the t-test was applied to paired samples, the exact Fisher test and the chi-square test, using the Action software. Results: Eleven participants returned to the outpatient clinic to participate in the cognitive stimulation workshop, of whom nine belonged to the intervention group. Usability scores ranged from “good” (57.5) to “best imaginable” (100.0). Focus group analysis revealed five categories: experience with the activities, platform usability, impact on caregivers, social support, and suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: The findings suggest that remote digital interventions can effectively meet the needs of individuals with dementia and carers, offering a user-centered approach to enhance cognitive stimulation programs. These results may contribute to the development of personalized interventions, fostering advances in healthcare services for this population.