Developing a User-centered Mobile Application for Stroke Caregivers: A Pilot National Survey

Abstract

Inadequate support, along with the stroke patient’s level of disability, can have a negative impact on informal caregivers’ quality of life and well-being. Yet, there is a lack of research and interventions focused on improving the health and well-being of informal caregivers. To determine the most salient potential resources and features for stroke patient caregivers regarding the use of mobile apps to improve caregiver’s health. A nationwide survey of caregivers was mailed to stroke survivors through the National Stroke Association, which included questions on demographics, cell phone/smartphone ownership, and caregiver’s opinion about mobile app resources– specifically 1) scheduling multiple tasks, 2) finding resource information, 3) finding local resources, 4) tracking fitness and diet, and 5) communication with the stroke survivor. 396 stroke caregivers [(299 (76%) female, 96 (24%) African-American, 42 (11%) Hispanic/Latino, and 210 (53%) Caucasian], aged 20-99 years (mean 58.2 ± 11.30), returned surveys; 96% owned a cell phone and 60% owned a smartphone. Most caregivers reported aspects of the app to be useful, including, doctor/rehab appointments [80% (95% CI 76-84%)], links to reliable medical information [84% (95% CI 80-87%)], local stroke support groups [81% (95% CI 77-85%)], exercises [76% (95% CI 71-80%)], and touch screen with useful phrases [76% (95% CI 71-80%)]. Latino (88%-74%) and African-American (84%- 77%) caregivers reported the highest rate of usefulness. Implementation of a mobile app unique to stroke caregivers with multiple resources is desired by this diverse, national sample of informal caregivers. Such a mobile app holds potential to reduce the disparities gap for resource use.