Plans4Care, a web application providing caregivers personalized solutions to manage dementia-related care challenges: Proof of concept and efficacy trial

Objective Few dementia caregivers have access to evidence-based support programs. Web applications (app) may address this gap. Plans4Care, a web app, provides caregivers with on-demand personalized solutions to address care challenges. We present results of a proof-of-concept study and describe a trial protocol to test efficacy. Methods To use Plans4Care, caregivers respond to brief onboarding questions, assess dementia patients’ cognitive function, identify care challenges, and generate “action plans” (personalized strategies). Telehealth sessions with dementia-trained care advisors are available. A proof-of-concept study evaluated a clickable prototype using standardized technology scales to determine if >75 % scored positively on four criteria (acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, ease-of-use). The fully developed app will be tested in a prospective randomized trial (n = 160 caregivers). Caregivers will be assigned to an immediate treatment or 6-month delayed control group to evaluate short (3, 6-months) and long-term (12-month) outcomes on caregiver wellbeing and healthcare utilization of caregivers and people with dementia. App use patterns and care advisor interactions will be evaluated. Findings/results Proof-of-concept testing (N = 25 caregivers) resulted in high ratings (100 % achieved for acceptability and feasibility; 80 % for appropriateness; 96 % for usability), supporting full app development. The app contains >100 care challenges, >2700 nonpharmacological strategies, 60+ education-oriented guidance documents, brief how-to videos, novel assessment of cognitive function, an algorithm personalizing strategies to cognitive function and care context, and a care advisor portal. The trial will yield outcome data and utilization patterns to inform commercialization and scaling. Conclusions Plans4Care addresses a critical gap in dementia care with potential for commercialization and scalability.