Remember Stuff: A Pilot Feasibility Trial Of Dyadic-Focused Technology To Support People With Adrd

Abstract

Technology to support caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) with tasks may be the next frontier for caregiving research. This single-arm 90-day pilot trial tested the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of a software system called RememberStuff® (R/S) by Eperture. We also tested R/S’s impact on caregiver burden. R/S includes a web-based portal where caregivers add information to a touch screen used by patients. R/S is organized around four main features– Calendar, Messaging, Activities, and Remember, a personalized task list. We collected data from dyads at baseline, 30-, 60-, and 90-days. Measures included the Healthy Aging Brain Care (HABC) monitor, System Usability Scale (SUS), and satisfaction scales indicating caregiver’s willingness to use and behavioral intention. We approached caregivers of patients with ADRD seen in primary care clinics. Of the 469 participants reached, 278 (59.28%) refused, 156 (33.26%) were ineligible due to nursing home placement and 35 dyads were enrolled (7.46%). Among enrolled participants, 65.7% completed data up to 90 days. 73.5% of the caregivers lived with the patients. Mean caregiver age was 59.1 years; 67.7% are female; 88.2% are white. Willingness to use R/S was consistent across time from 30 days (M=3.9, SD=0.7) through 90 days (M=3.8, SD=1.1), while usability decreased (30 days M=57.7, SD=7.5 to 90 days M=54.9, SD 8.7). Caregiver’s overall HABC monitor also decreased from baseline (M=29.0, SD=13.1) to 90 days (M=27.2, SD=12.2) indicating less burden at 90 days. These findings support the feasibility of R/S technology to support caregivers of people with ADRD.