Development of an ICT-Based Dementia Care Mapping Support System and Its Usefulness Assessment

Abstract

Objectives: Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is an established practice method to implement Person-centred Care in dementia care settings. However, it is not easy to carry out DCM because of its high complexity. The aim of this study is to solve DCM complexity by adopting technology. Methods: Authors developed (1) a new information-communication technology (ICT) based DCM support system based on the investigation of difficulties and/or burden encountered during mapping (n = 33) and (2) a new evaluation test method, using role-play videos, for assessing the usefulness and reliability of the system. Mapping data, collected using the support system or the conventional paper-based DCM (n = 22), were compared. Results: We obtained users’ positive ratings of the system for burden reduction and its usability. Moreover, the developed prototype system indicated to have already reached the level of conventional paper-based DCM in terms of mapping accuracy. Conclusion: Usefulness of the ICT-based support system was confirmed to help overcome DCM complexity.