Evaluation of Usage and Efficacy of the 656 Online Platform for Reducing Caregiver Stress in Chinese Caregivers

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Stoke; Dementia; Fall and Fractures Prevention

• Registration Number: NCT06771557
• Lead Sponsor: Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Brief Summary

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new online platform, 656 Online Platform, in Hong Kong in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence of caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

Detailed Description

The informal caregivers of older adults with serious health problems, especially for stroke, dementia, and fracture, are facing numerous caregiving stress. The online platform can be a cost-effective way to support caregivers and reduce their caregiving stress.

A new online platform, the 655 Online Platform, was developed by St. James Settlement in Hong Kong, to provide caregivers with appropriate information and support, attempting to reduce their pressure. Therefore, this study was launched to evaluate the efficacy of a new online platform in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence in caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

A longitudinal open-trial study design was applied (N=287) with outcome measures administered at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 15-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, caregiver preparedness, and competence. The user profile was explored by comparing the characteristics of participants in user group and non-user group. User satisfaction and engagement were also reported.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-12-01
• Primary Completion: 2022-08-31
• Study Completion: 2022-08-31
• Status Verified: 2025-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-01-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-01-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-01-08
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 287

Inclusion Criteria

• Family caregivers who are Chinese citizens aged 18 or above and provide care for elderly individuals aged 65 or above diagnosed with stroke, dementia, or fall-related fractures

Exclusion Criteria

• Family caregivers who have been diagnosed with severe mental or physical illness or have impairments in cognitive function, such as comprehension, memory, observation, and other related abilities

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Caregiver stress	From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months	Caregiver stress was measured by Modified Caregiver Strain Index (C-M-CSI). It consists of 13 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 26. Each item is rated by a score of 0 (no), 1 (yes, sometimes) or 2 (yes, always). A higher score suggests a higher amount of strain felt by caregivers. The C-M-CSI demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese population.
Preparedness for caregiving	From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months	Preparedness for caregiving was measured by the Chinese version of Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. The scale consists of 8 items that ask careers how well prepared they believe they are for multiple domains of caregiving. Each item is rated by a five-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all prepared) to 4 (very well prepared) with a total score from 0 to 32. The scale showed good reliability and validity in the Chinese population.
Caregiver competence	From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months	Caregiver competence was measured by the Chinese version of Caregiver Competence Scale (CCS-C).The scale includes 4 items to assess the sufficiency of a caregiver's performance as administered by the caregiver. A higher score indicates a better sense of competence. The CCS-C demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese caregivers.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hong Kong Metropolitan University; 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong