Evaluation of Usage and Efficacy of the 656 Online Platform for Reducing Caregiver Stress in Chinese Caregivers

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Fall and Fractures Prevention; Stoke; Dementia

Treatments: Other: 656 Online Platform

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06771557

1-2021-39-E

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new online platform, 656 Online Platform, in Hong Kong in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence of caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

Full description

The informal caregivers of older adults with serious health problems, especially for stroke, dementia, and fracture, are facing numerous caregiving stress. The online platform can be a cost-effective way to support caregivers and reduce their caregiving stress.

A new online platform, the 655 Online Platform, was developed by St. James Settlement in Hong Kong, to provide caregivers with appropriate information and support, attempting to reduce their pressure. Therefore, this study was launched to evaluate the efficacy of a new online platform in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence in caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

A longitudinal open-trial study design was applied (N=287) with outcome measures administered at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 15-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, caregiver preparedness, and competence. The user profile was explored by comparing the characteristics of participants in user group and non-user group. User satisfaction and engagement were also reported.

Enrollment: 287 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Family caregivers who are Chinese citizens aged 18 or above and provide care for elderly individuals aged 65 or above diagnosed with stroke, dementia, or fall-related fractures

Exclusion criteria

• Family caregivers who have been diagnosed with severe mental or physical illness or have impairments in cognitive function, such as comprehension, memory, observation, and other related abilities

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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287 participants in 2 patient groups

Users of the 656 Online Platform

Experimental group

Description:

The experimental arm includes caregivers of the elderly with three targeted disorders (stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures) who used the 656 Online Platform. The 656 Platform provides valuable information regarding three common ailments among the elderly, namely stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures.

Treatment:

Other: 656 Online Platform

Non-users of the 656 Online Platform

No Intervention group

Description:

This arm includes caregivers of the elderly with three targeted disorders (stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures) who did not use the 656 Online Platform. The 656 Platform provides valuable information regarding three common ailments among the elderly, namely stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures.