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The use of a bespoke website developed for people with dementia and carers: Users’ experiences, perceptions and support needs

Wolverson, Emma; White, Caroline; Dunn, Rosie; Cunnah, Katie; Howe, David; Paulson, Kevin; Platt, Rebecca; Thorpe, Jonathan

Authors

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Dr Emma Wolverson E.Wolverson@hull.ac.uk
Reader in Ageing and Dementia. Research Lead for Dementia UK.

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Miss Rosie Dunn R.J.Dunn@hull.ac.uk
Researcher | Restorative Supervisor | Dissertation Supervisor

Katie Cunnah

David Howe

Kevin Paulson

Rebecca Platt

Jonathan Thorpe



Abstract

Background: Current policy emphasises the role of digital technologies in facilitating the management of long-term conditions. While digital resources have been developed for carers, there has been little attention to their development for people with dementia. The Caregiverspro-MMD website was developed as a joint resource for people with dementia and carers, delivering access to information, informal content, games and peer support. Research Design and Methods: This study explored the experiences of dyads consisting of people with dementia and carers of using the website. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 43 participants. Findings: Thematic analysis identified 10 subthemes grouped under three superordinate themes which highlight participants’ experiences of and responses to the website functions; important aspects of the website design and delivery; and barriers to use. Discussion: Findings highlight the value of a credible information source which negated the need for arduous online searches, the pleasure associated with playing games and interacting with others online. However, participants were reluctant to share personal information online, preferring to create ‘informal content’ which celebrated everyday life, and were reluctant to ‘friend’ people online who they had not met in person. The importance of training and support to use the website was highlighted. Health problems, lack of interest or difficulties using technology, and time were all identified as barriers to use.

Citation

Wolverson, E., White, C., Dunn, R., Cunnah, K., Howe, D., Paulson, K., …Thorpe, J. (2022). The use of a bespoke website developed for people with dementia and carers: Users’ experiences, perceptions and support needs. Dementia, 21(1), 94-113. https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012211028495

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 31, 2021
Online Publication Date Jun 29, 2021
Publication Date 2022-01
Deposit Date Apr 1, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Dementia
Print ISSN 1471-3012
Electronic ISSN 1741-2684
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 21
Issue 1
Pages 94-113
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012211028495
Keywords Dementia; Carers; Digital technologies; Website; Qualitative research; Information; Peer support
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3786888

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Copyright Statement
Wolverson E, White C, Dunn R, et al., The use of a bespoke website developed for people with dementia and carers: Users’ experiences, perceptions and support needs., Dementia (vol.21, issue 1) pp. 94-113. Copyright © 2022 by SAGE Publications. DOI: doi.org/10.1177/14713012211028495.






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