Informal caregivers (CGs) of people with dementia (PwD) in Ontario may provide upwards
of 90 hours or more of caregiving (CG) or assistance to a loved one, per week. CGs of PwD
often face increased social isolation, disrupted routines, and experience adverse health
effects as this work is incredibly difficult and overwhelming, requiring knowledge,
education, resources, and support. eHealth interventions can help to respond to the dynamic
and changing needs of these CGs. To respond to these needs, Dr. Richard Sztramko
conceptualized iGeriCare, an educational multimedia tool. 10 iGeriCare lessons were
created and developed by Dr. Sztramko and Dr. Anthony J. Levinson and his team at the
Division of e-Learning and Innovation.
The objective of this thesis is to review psychoeducational interventions aimed at CGs of
patients with dementia and to evaluate the usability of iGeriCare learning modules. This
thesis is comprised of two phases, a systematic literature review and an evaluation of the
iGeriCare lessons. A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL,
and EMBASE. 31 articles and 23 prospective interventions were included in the final
analysis. These interventions were generally perceived positively by CGs. Despite CG-perceived
value, there is not enough evidence in the literature to clearly state whether online
interventions improve CG stress, self-efficacy, or burden.
The Quality in Use Integrated Measurement Framework (QUIM) informs usability. Two
experienced CGs agreed to participate. After they viewed the iGeriCare lessons on the
eLearning management system (through the web-based system 360 Articulate), they were
interviewed via telephone to gather their opinions of the usability of the iGeriCare modules.
Qualitative interview data were analyzed, resulting in the following themes: relevance of
content and information, slide design, ease of navigation, forward learning, educational
tools, and accessibility. They perceived iGeriCare as an effective tool with online
convenience and relished the thought of an online community whereby CGs can interact in
a spirit of comradery and togetherness. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Informal caregivers (CGs) of people with dementia (PwD) in Ontario may provide upwards
of 90 hours or more of caregiving (CG) or assistance to a loved one, per week. CG is incredibly difficult and overwhelming, requiring knowledge, education, resources, and support. Online learning tools can help to respond to the unique needs of CGs. To respond to these needs, Dr. Richard Sztramko conceptualized iGeriCare, an educational multimedia tool. 10 iGeriCare lessons were created and developed by Dr. Sztramko and Dr. Anthony J. Levinson and his team at the
Division of e-Learning and Innovation. Two experienced CGs evaluated the usability of the lessons. After they viewed each iGeriCare lesson online, they were interviewed to gather their opinions of the lesson. The feedback was analyzed, resulting in the following themes: relevance of content and information, slide design, ease of navigation, forward learning, educational
tools, and accessibility. The CGs perceived iGeriCare as an effective tool with online
convenience and relished the thought of an online community whereby CGs can interact in
a spirit of comradery and togetherness.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/24129 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Wurster, Andrea |
| Contributors | Archer, Norman, eHealth |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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