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Mobile Apps for Helping Informal Caregivers: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Sala-González

    (Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Altamira Building, Avda de la Universidad s/n. 03202 Elche, Spain)

  • Virtudes Pérez-Jover

    (Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Altamira Building, Avda de la Universidad s/n. 03202 Elche, Spain)

  • Mercedes Guilabert

    (Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Altamira Building, Avda de la Universidad s/n. 03202 Elche, Spain)

  • José Joaquín Mira

    (Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Altamira Building, Avda de la Universidad s/n. 03202 Elche, Spain)

Abstract

(1) Background: The physical and psychological consequences suffered by informal caregivers have been extensively studied. MHealth solutions appear to be an opportunity to help overcome the caregiver burden. The objective of this study was to evaluate available mobile applications for informal caregivers of people who are ill and to determine whether these mobile applications were developed considering the needs of caregiver users. (2) Methods: A systematic review was carried out using the MEDLINE, ProQuest, and Scopus databases. The information about mobile applications for informal caregivers was analyzed. This review examined studies published between January 2011 and July 2020 in English. The data extracted from each paper included the development of the mobile application, if that application was assessed considering the caregivers’ needs, functions of the mobile application, measures for evaluating caregivers’ needs, measures for evaluating the effectiveness of the mobile application, and the main results obtained. (3) Results: Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most common functions of the apps were summaries with information about the person they care for, educational information, resources and services for caregivers, solutions to common problems during care, and questionnaires to assess caregivers’ well-being. Most of these studies assessed caregivers’ needs before designing mobile applications to adapt them to the needs of their users. (4) Conclusions: Mobile applications for caregivers appear to provide solutions for them. Moreover, the effectiveness of these apps will depend largely on whether their characteristics match users’ needs. Current studies have shown the poor quality of evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Sala-González & Virtudes Pérez-Jover & Mercedes Guilabert & José Joaquín Mira, 2021. "Mobile Apps for Helping Informal Caregivers: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1702-:d:497085
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hong Tao & Susan McRoy & Lin Wang, 2017. "Would mobile health be a solution to rehospitalization?," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(2), pages 188-190, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nurul Syaireen A. Rashid & Xin Wee Chen & Muhamad Fadhil Mohamad Marzuki & Aseel A. Takshe & Ahmad Okasha & Faridah Maarof & Raudah Mohd Yunus, 2022. "Development and Usability Assessment of a Mobile App (Demensia KITA) to Support Dementia Caregivers in Malaysia: A Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Alberto Sardella & Vittorio Lenzo & Angela Alibrandi & Antonino Catalano & Francesco Corica & Maria C. Quattropani & Giorgio Basile, 2021. "A Clinical Bridge between Family Caregivers and Older Adults: The Contribution of Patients’ Frailty and Optimism on Caregiver Burden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-11, March.

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