JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Respite care is one of the most frequently requested support services by family caregivers. Yet, too often, respite care services are inaccessible, due in part to families’ lack of knowledge regarding available services and to a lack of service flexibility. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) may help to improve families knowledge and the flexibility of services available. However, an understanding of the usage of ICTs and research in this area is lacking.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the academic literature on ICTs for supporting the provision of respite care services.

Methods:

A scoping review study was conducted. Six library databases were systematically searched for relevant literature. Key data were extracted into a summary chart. Text and quantitative data were thematically analyzed, and the results were collated and summarized into a comprehensive narrative.

Results:

24 articles describing 16 unique ICT programs exploring the potential of ICTs to support respite care services met the inclusion criteria. ICTs supported the provision of respite care by facilitating: information-sharing with families and providers, recruiting and training respite care providers, and coordinating services. Key design considerations for developing respite care ICTs were trustworthiness and participatory design methods. Implementation considerations included designing for complementarity with existing services, assessing the appropriate timing for introducing the ICT-based services, and ensuring adequate promotion strategies to raise awareness about the services.

Conclusions:

There is limited but promising research on the potential of ICTs to support the provision of respite care services. Further research should be conducted to advance the results of this review, ultimately aiming to build ICTs that can improve the quality of, and access to, respite care services.