Qualitative Evaluation of an Online Technology to Support Rural Caregivers of People with Dementia

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: In rural communities, caregivers of people living with dementia face limited access to support services. Digital interventions offer potential solutions for support. This paper reports on the evaluation of Verily Connect, a web-based multicomponent intervention developed to support caregivers. The aim of this qualitative study was to critically evaluate the implementation of Verily Connect to better understand its barriers and enablers. <b>Methods</b>: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 health service professionals across 12 rural Australian communities. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. <b>Results</b>: Key barriers included limited digital literacy, resistance to technology and privacy concerns, as well as competing organisational priorities, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Facilitators included organisational alignment and supportive management. <b>Conclusions</b>: The perceived relevance and usability of Verily Connect were enhanced by its co-design with caregivers and integration into health service models. Addressing digital literacy for caregivers, infrastructure limitations, and organisational readiness is essential for future technology-based health interventions in rural dementia care.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geriatrics
Published
2025-12-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10060161
Primary Topic
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Qualitative Evaluation of an Online Technology to Support Rural Caregivers of People with Dementia

Irene Blackberry, Tshepo Rasekaba, Clare Wilding, Megan E. O’Connell et al.
Geriatrics
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
article

Qualitative Evaluation of an Online Technology to Support Rural Caregivers of People with Dementia

Irene Blackberry, Tshepo Rasekaba, Clare Wilding, Megan E. O’Connell, Deborah Morgan, Carmela Leone
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: In rural communities, caregivers of people living with dementia face limited access to support services. Digital interventions offer potential solutions for support. This paper reports on the evaluation of Verily Connect, a web-based multicomponent intervention developed to support caregivers. The aim of this qualitative study was to critically evaluate the implementation of Verily Connect to better understand its barriers and enablers. <b>Methods</b>: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 health service professionals across 12 rural Australian communities. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. <b>Results</b>: Key barriers included limited digital literacy, resistance to technology and privacy concerns, as well as competing organisational priorities, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Facilitators included organisational alignment and supportive management. <b>Conclusions</b>: The perceived relevance and usability of Verily Connect were enhanced by its co-design with caregivers and integration into health service models. Addressing digital literacy for caregivers, infrastructure limitations, and organisational readiness is essential for future technology-based health interventions in rural dementia care.

GeriatricsVol. 10(6)
La Trobe University (AU), University of Saskatchewan (CA)
Verily Life Sciences
Openalex Percentile: Top 55%
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
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