Chinese Immigrant Caregivers: Understanding Their Unmet Needs and the Co-Design of an mHealth App

Abstract

Abstract Background Immigrant caregivers support the aging population, yet their own needs are often neglected. Mobile technology-facilitated interventions can promote caregiver health by providing easy access to self-care materials. Objective This study employed a design thinking framework to examine Chinese immigrant caregivers’ (CICs) unmet self-care needs and co-design an app for promoting self-care with CICs. Methods Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in conceptual design and prototype co-design phases. Findings Participants reported unmet self-care needs influenced by psychological and social barriers, immigrant status, and caregiving tasks. They expressed the need to learn to keep healthy boundaries with the care recipient and respond to emergencies. Gaining knowledge was the main benefit that drew CICs’ interest in using the self-care app. However, potential barriers to use included issues of curriculum design, technology anxiety, limited free time, and caregiving burdens. Discussion The co-design process appears to be beneficial in having participants voice both barriers and preferences.