Assessing feasibility of an online caregiver intervention to improve respite: the Time for Living and Caring (TLC) Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.71792
• Publication Date: 2025-02-10T13:40:06Z
• Authors: Amber D Thompson; Alexandra L. Terrill; Michael Caserta; Bob Wong; Eli Iacob; Catharine Sparks; Louisa Stark; Rebecca L. Utz
• Keywords: Respite care; Preprint

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Interventions that are self-administered and delivered online increasingly being seen as a flexible way to support family caregivers. Respite, defined planned break or time away from caregiving, is among the most needed requested forms of caregiver support; yet, few interventions address caregivers’ use respite. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> We describe methodology data used assess feasibility, usability, acceptability Time for Living Caring (TLC) intervention; technology intervention (app) dementia caregivers improve respite use. <title>METHODS</title> This study’s evaluation effort theoretically guided by multidimensional definition feasibility employs mixed-methods approach analysis. Stakeholder feedback collected via focus groups during development (n=15), self-reported surveys participants enrolled in pilot trial (n=163), nationwide sample providers (n=57), end-user statistics, captured passively Google Analytics those using app, were analysis TLC feasibility. <title>RESULTS</title> Data metrics, overall, show high rates intervention. Favorable ratings features ranged 83-99%, which, when combined with open-ended recommendations improvements, indicate degree usability. Acceptability was measured through appraisal experience (85% positive), potential future (78%), willingness recommend (91%), perceived benefit (&gt; 80%). <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Taken together, these suggest promising could be implemented an on-demand resource respite-using irrespective where they located choose access it. Additionally, this paper provides blueprint systematically evaluating multiple dimensions various pilot-testing intervention, which should help streamline eventual implementation effective real-world settings. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03689179