Usability of a new eHealth Monitoring Technology (HELMA) that reflects health care needs for Clients with Cognitive Impairments and their (In) Formal Caregivers

The aim of this study was to evaluate an eHealth monitoring application (HELMA) that provides insight in health status for clients with cognitive impairments (CI) independently living at home and their (in)formal caregivers. A mixed-method approach was used to collect data on Usability (System Usability Scale) and Actual Use (Log data) for all participants. Besides, a subgroup of participants were randomly selected and interviewed about their experiences with HELMA (Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Behavioural Intention to Use and Attitude). Fifty-four clients, fifteen formal and fourteen informal caregivers participated in this study. Results showed that HELMA is a useful supplement in the current care for older adults with cognitive impairment. The average SUS score of HELMA from formal caregivers indicated “good” usability. The questions of HELMA are simple and clear. However, clients lacked digital skills to use HELMA by themselves. Most of the clients (80%) used HELMA according to protocol, for a minimum of 4 weeks. Most clients’ Attitude towards willingness to learn and to use a technology were negative. More attention to different implementation strategies is needed to increase the eHealth literacy of clients with CI, to improve independent use of HELMA in the future.