Usability Testing of the PACE-App to Support Family Caregivers in Managing Pain for People with Dementia

• Published in: The Gerontologist 2024-11
• Main Authors: Chi, Nai-Ching, Nguyen, Kristy, Shanahan, Angela, Demir, Ibrahim, Fu, Ying-Kai, Chi, Chih-Lin, Perkhounkova, Yelena, Hein, Maria, Buckwalter, Kathleen, Wolf, Michael, Williams, Kristine, Herr, Keela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0016-9013; 1758-5341; 1758-5341
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae163

Pain management is often suboptimal in individuals with dementia, and their family caregivers are tasked with supporting pain management despite limited preparation. The web-based PACE-app (PAin Control Enhancement) was designed to assist caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the PACE-app. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to evaluate the PACE-app's usability with 16 family caregivers and 6 healthcare professionals. Quantitative data were collected using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), while qualitative data were gathered through guided app reviews and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were thematically coded. The PSSUQ results indicated that both family caregivers and healthcare professionals had a highly positive experience with the PACE-app: overall scores (2.01 vs. 1.68), system usefulness (1.76 vs. 1.68), information quality (1.98 vs. 1.80), interface quality (2.30 vs. 1.60), and satisfaction (2.00 vs. 1.60) were rated on a 1-7 scale (with lower scores indicating better usability). Qualitative findings supported these results, with participants endorsing the PACE-app's usefulness, ease of use, learnability, effective information presentation, aesthetics, clear layout, and overall satisfaction. Participants also provided valuable feedback for improving information quality (enhancing clarity) and interface quality (real-time coaching on pain management). The study demonstrated favorable usability and strong satisfaction among family caregivers and healthcare professionals using the PACE-app. Incorporating participants' suggestions will guide enhancements to the app's information and interface, ensuring it better meets users' needs.