Tao, Hong, McRoy, Susan, Kovach, Christine R., Wang, Lin
abstract
Mobile-based health information software offers the potential to support family caregivers who live at home or have difficulty accessing health care centers. The current study examined factors predicting perceived usability and performance of computer tablets among typical family caregivers caring for older adults in their homes in the United States and China. A multi-part study was conducted with 100 caregivers age 55 and older, comprising a short written survey, practice-based observation, and follow-up survey combining standard usability items and open-ended questions. Results show the target population from both regions would be willing and able to adopt new tablet-based software, but participants' attitudes about the complexity of tablets and software present a potential barrier. This finding was true especially among caregivers from China, who expressed more concerns (yet performed equally well) possibly because they had less prior experience with the technology. Results suggest information and training be provided to address caregiver concerns before the introduction of new tablet-based software interventions.