JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Supportive mobile applications (apps) are effective tools for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) to obtain online information and psychological support. Nevertheless, details about the experiences of PWD family caregivers utilizing mobile apps are limited.

Objective:

This study aims to synthesize the perspectives and experiences of PWD family caregivers regarding supportive mobile apps.

Methods:

We conducted a synthesis of qualitative research and searched seven English databases and four Chinese databases. We included qualitative studies (peer-reviewed and gray literature) written in English and Chinese on the perspectives and experiences of PWD family caregivers regarding supportive mobile apps from inception to January 2024. Themes were integrated using Thomas and Hardens’ three-stage thematic synthesis approach.

Results:

A preliminary search retrieved 1749 studies, of which 12 studies met the criteria. The integration of extracted content formed four themes: complex attitudes toward using supportive mobile apps, diverse perceived benefits of applying mobile apps, realistic barriers to the use of mobile apps, and preferences and needs for mobile apps.

Conclusions:

Supportive mobile apps served as valuable tools for family caregivers to enhance their caregiving abilities, alleviate the burden of care, improve negative emotions, and foster social connections. Future studies need to concentrate on the realistic obstacles caregivers encounter when applying these apps and actively developing personalized, multifunctional, and dependable apps. Additionally, we should focus more on the role of apps in facilitating online collaboration among members of the care network and integrating social services. Overall, our study offers an important reference for developing person-centered supportive mobile apps for PWD family caregivers. Clinical Trial: The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024510905).