The feasibility and acceptability of an app-based cognitive strategy training programme for older people.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Increasing numbers of people are living with mild cognitive impairment in later life and seeking therapy to maintain cognition to remain as independent as possible in daily life. Based on a review of literature, an app-based programme using perceptual-encoding strategies called Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life) was developed. An expert panel reviewed the programme’s appropriateness for older people with and without mild cognitive impairment. As part of the design process, the feasibility and acceptability of the E-MinD Life programme was then assessed in relation to its use by healthy older adults, with findings informing the application of the programme to older people with mild cognitive impairment in the future. Methods: Phase One: The E-MinD Life programme was reviewed by an expert panel of occupational therapists. Experts rated the programme on a Likert scale and answered open-ended questions in relation to feasibility, clarity, and relevancy. Phase Two involved field-testing the 9-week programme with a sample of nine healthy older people. Participants rated the acceptability of the programme on a Likert scale questionnaire. Data on recruitment rates and retention, adherence and duration of sessions was collected to determine feasibility of the programme. Responses to the Likert scale were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses were categorised qualitatively using a constant comparative approach. Results: Phase One: Experts indicated that the E-MinD Life programme was feasible and included relevant activities for community living. Although experts felt that an older user with MCI would be able to independently complete the programme, the qualitative analysis suggests formatting changes in future iterations of the programme to enhance visual clarity. Phase Two: All participants completed the nine-week programme. The average number of self-administered sessions attempted over the nine-week period was 13.44 (SD=6.73) out of 18 scheduled sessions. Overall, most participants found the programme relevant, logical and easy to understand, and perceived it to be effective for functional cognitive problems. Conclusion: The E-MinD Life programme shows promise for the inclusion into trial designs to determine the effectiveness of the cognitive strategy programme for older people with and without cognitive impairment. Trial registration: NCT03430401 Registered 1 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03430401?term=karen+liu&draw=2&rank=1