JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adult Day Services (ADS) provide community-based health care for older adults with complex chronic conditions but rely on outdated methods for communicating users’ health information with providers. CareMOBI, a novel mHealth application, was developed to address the need for a technological platform to improve bidirectional information exchange and communication between the ADS setting and providers.

Objective:

To examine the feasibility and acceptability of CareMOBI in the ADS setting.

Methods:

A concurrent-triangulation mixed methods design was employed, and participants were client-facing ADS staff members, including direct care workers (paid caregivers), nurses, and social workers. Interviews were conducted to describe barriers and facilitators to adoption of the CareMOBI application. Acceptability of the application was measured using an adapted version of the Technology Acceptance Model Questionnaire. Data were integrated into four themes as anchors of an informational matrix: ease of use, clinical value, fit within workflow, and likelihood of adoption.

Results:

A mix of ADS staff (n=22) participated in the study. Participants reported high levels of acceptability across the four domains. Qualitative findings corroborated the questionnaire results; participants viewed the application as useful and were likely to implement CareMOBI in their practice. However, participants expressed a need for proper training and technical support throughout the implementation process.

Conclusions:

The CareMOBI app has potential to improve care management in the ADS setting by promoting effective communication through an easy-to-use and portable method. While the integration of CareMOBI is acceptable and feasible, developing role-specific training modules and technical assistance programs is imperative for successful implementation within the ADS setting.