Journal article
Usability Testing of the PACE-App to Support Family Caregivers in Managing Pain for People with Dementia
The Gerontologist, Vol.65(2), gnae163
02/2025
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae163
PMCID: PMC11704792
PMID: 39500744
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
Pain management is often suboptimal in individuals with dementia, and their family caregivers are tasked with supporting pain management despite limited preparation. The web-based PACE-app (PAin Control Enhancement) was designed to assist caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the PACE-app.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESPain management is often suboptimal in individuals with dementia, and their family caregivers are tasked with supporting pain management despite limited preparation. The web-based PACE-app (PAin Control Enhancement) was designed to assist caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the PACE-app.A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to evaluate the PACE-app's usability with 16 family caregivers and 6 healthcare professionals. Quantitative data were collected using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), while qualitative data were gathered through guided app reviews and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were thematically coded.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to evaluate the PACE-app's usability with 16 family caregivers and 6 healthcare professionals. Quantitative data were collected using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), while qualitative data were gathered through guided app reviews and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were thematically coded.The PSSUQ results indicated that both family caregivers and healthcare professionals had a highly positive experience with the PACE-app: overall scores (2.01 vs. 1.68), system usefulness (1.76 vs. 1.68), information quality (1.98 vs. 1.80), interface quality (2.30 vs. 1.60), and satisfaction (2.00 vs. 1.60) were rated on a 1-7 scale (with lower scores indicating better usability). Qualitative findings supported these results, with participants endorsing the PACE-app's usefulness, ease of use, learnability, effective information presentation, aesthetics, clear layout, and overall satisfaction. Participants also provided valuable feedback for improving information quality (enhancing clarity) and interface quality (real-time coaching on pain management).RESULTSThe PSSUQ results indicated that both family caregivers and healthcare professionals had a highly positive experience with the PACE-app: overall scores (2.01 vs. 1.68), system usefulness (1.76 vs. 1.68), information quality (1.98 vs. 1.80), interface quality (2.30 vs. 1.60), and satisfaction (2.00 vs. 1.60) were rated on a 1-7 scale (with lower scores indicating better usability). Qualitative findings supported these results, with participants endorsing the PACE-app's usefulness, ease of use, learnability, effective information presentation, aesthetics, clear layout, and overall satisfaction. Participants also provided valuable feedback for improving information quality (enhancing clarity) and interface quality (real-time coaching on pain management).The study demonstrated favorable usability and strong satisfaction among family caregivers and healthcare professionals using the PACE-app. Incorporating participants' suggestions will guide enhancements to the app's information and interface, ensuring it better meets users' needs.DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONSThe study demonstrated favorable usability and strong satisfaction among family caregivers and healthcare professionals using the PACE-app. Incorporating participants' suggestions will guide enhancements to the app's information and interface, ensuring it better meets users' needs.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Usability Testing of the PACE-App to Support Family Caregivers in Managing Pain for People with Dementia
- Creators
- Nai-Ching Chi - University of IowaKristy Nguyen - University of IowaAngela Shanahan - University of IowaIbrahim Demir - University of IowaYing-Kai Fu - University of IowaChih-Lin Chi - University of MinnesotaYelena Perkhounkova - University of IowaMaria Hein - University of IowaKathleen Buckwalter - University of IowaMichael Wolf - Northwestern UniversityKristine Williams - University of KansasKeela Herr - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Gerontologist, Vol.65(2), gnae163
- DOI
- 10.1093/geront/gnae163
- PMID
- 39500744
- PMCID
- PMC11704792
- NLM abbreviation
- Gerontologist
- ISSN
- 1758-5341
- eISSN
- 1758-5341
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; CARY
- Grant note
- Alzheimer's Association: AARGD-22-929062 NINR: 2T32NR011147-06A1
This study received support from the Alzheimer's Association (AARGD-22-929062; PI: Chi) and the NINR 2T32NR011147-06A1 Pain and Associated Symptoms: Nurse Researcher Training (T32) (PI: Herr; Faculty: Chi). The sponsor played no role in the study's design, execution, data analysis, manuscript preparation, or decision to submit for publication.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 11/06/2024
- Date published
- 02/2025
- Academic Unit
- Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Management and Policy; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984742656702771
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