Challenges of conducting of online educational programs for family caregivers of people with dementia living at home: An integrative review

Abstract

Objectives: This integrative review aimed to understand the challenges of conducting online educational programs for family caregivers of people with dementia by focusing on the components and design of them. Methods: Following Whittemore & Knafl’s five-step method, seven databases were systematically searched. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Results: Of the 25,256 articles identified, 49 studies were included. Limitations in components (including useless or repetitive information, incomplete access to dementia-related information, the impact of components related to culture or ethnicity or gender) and in the format of delivered information (including less interaction, time schedule limitations and preference for traditional forms of delivery of information) make it more challenging to conduct online educational programs. Additionally, implementation constraints such as technical problems, poor computer literacy, and fidelity assessment are challenges that cannot be ignored. Conclusions: Insight into the challenges of online educational programs for family caregivers of people with dementia can help guide researchers in constructing the optimal online educational program. Incorporating cultural specificity, considering structured construction strategies, optimizing interaction design, and increasing fidelity assessment may contribute to the conduct of online educational programs.

Keywords

• Dementia
• Family caregivers
• Online education
• Review
• Internet-based intervention