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

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: Apr 5, 2022
• 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