Assessing the Usability of iPREPARED: an Application-Based, Non-Pharmacological Delirium Prevention Intervention

Authors

Luke S. SztajnkrycerFollow
Ian Ward MaiaFollow
Heidi LindrothFollow
Kayla P. CarpenterFollow
Derek VanmeterFollow
Samantha GraciaFollow
Grace HerbeckFollow
Aidan MullanFollow
Molly M. JefferyFollow
Fernanda Bellolio, Mayo ClinicFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Bellolio ORCID: 0000-0002-1632-4750

Jeffery ORCID: 0000-0003-3854-6810

Abstract

Introduction: Non-pharmacologic prevention measures reduce incident delirium by up to 30-40%% in inpatient and ED settings, but consistent application is often difficult. A mobile health application, titled iPREPARED (Improve Prevention and Recovery by Engaging Patients and FAmily-Caregivers to End Delirium) was co-developed with patients and their care partners to prepare them for delirium and empower them to use non-pharmacological prevention measures. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of iPREPARED in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: An IRB-approved prospective study enrolled a convenience sample of ED patients over age 60 and/or their care partners. Participants were provided a tablet with the iPREPARED application and were given time to review the contents and ask questions. Then, either the patient, care partner, or both completed a 20-item validated anonymous questionnaire including: 1) accessibility, 2) understandability, and 3) educational value. We used the validated Mobile health Apps Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), with a 1 “strongly disagree” to 7 “strongly agree” Likert scale. Acceptability was measured by the satisfaction and perceived value of the app, and feasibility was measured by the practical implementation in the real-world setting.

Results: Slightly less than one half of the approached patients accepted to participate in the study. Questionnaires were completed by 40 participants (50% female). Questions addressing understandability, educational value, and ease of use had median ratings of 6 (IQR 5, 7) or 7 (6, 7). Individuals were less positive about iPREPARED improving access to healthcare services or managing health effectively (median 5 [4-7]) and noted a requirement for internet access. Reasons for declining participation included a language barrier (12%), feeling tired or not interested (17%), and feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable (20%).

Conclusion: It is feasible to implement mobile health applications in real world settings including the ED. Patients and care partners perceived iPREPARED positively, particularly in terms of understandability and educational value.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Sztajnkrycer, Luke S.; Maia, Ian Ward; Lindroth, Heidi; Carpenter, Kayla P.; Vanmeter, Derek; Gracia, Samantha; Herbeck, Grace; Mullan, Aidan; Jeffery, Molly M.; and Bellolio, Fernanda (2024) "Assessing the Usability of iPREPARED: an Application-Based, Non-Pharmacological Delirium Prevention Intervention," Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine: Vol. 5: Iss. 4, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17294/2694-4715.1089
Available at: https://institutionalrepository.aah.org/jgem/vol5/iss4/1