Health literacy, dementia knowledge and perceived utility of digital health modalities among future health professionals.

OBJECTIVES: Studies of dementia knowledge (including dementia risk reduction) in health-care trainees highlight varying levels of understanding across countries and disciplines. This draws attention to the need for a well-trained health workforce with the knowledge to champion and implement such strategies. This study (a) assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy among a sample of Australian health-care students, (b) identified modality preferences of digital health interventions addressing dementia prevention and (c) examined potential relationships among health literacy, dementia knowledge, dementia prevention knowledge and a student's preferences for different digital health modalities. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy in 727 health students across 16 Australian universities representing both metropolitan and regional cohorts. The All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale were administered. Questions about the perceived effectiveness of strategies and preferred digital health modalities for dementia prevention/risk reduction were asked. RESULTS: The students had relatively high health literacy scores. However, dementia knowledge and evidence-based dementia prevention knowledge were average. Only 7% claimed knowledge of available dementia-related digital health interventions. Associations among health literacy, dementia knowledge and dementia prevention, with recommendations for different digital modalities, are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related degrees need to increase dementia knowledge, health literacy and knowledge of effective dementia-related digital health interventions. It is imperative to equip the future health workforce amid an ageing population with increased dementia rates and where evidence-based digital health interventions will increasingly be a source of support.

Correction: Culturally Safe eHealth Interventions With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Protocol for a Best Practice Framework.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/34904.].

Culturally Safe eHealth Interventions With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Protocol for a Best Practice Framework.

BACKGROUND: There is growing global evidence on the adoption and effectiveness of eHealth (including mobile health and telehealth) by First Nation peoples including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Although there are frameworks to guide eHealth development, implementation, and evaluation, it is unknown whether they adequately encapsulate the health, cultural, and community-related priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research program is to prepare a best practice framework that will guide the co-design, implementation, and evaluation of culturally safe eHealth interventions within existing models of health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The framework will be a synthesis of evidence that represents best practices in eHealth, as determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. METHODS: Research activities to develop the best practice framework will occur in stepped but overlapping qualitative research phases with governance from an existing multiagency research collaboration (the Collaboration). The research protocol has been informed by key research frameworks such as the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) and Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. The seven phases of research will include the following: systematic literature review, scoping review, theme development, theme consultation, Delphi processes for expert reviews, and dissemination. RESULTS: Members of the Collaboration conceived this research program in August 2020, and a draft was produced in June 2021 with subsequent funding obtained in July 2021. The Collaboration approved the protocol in December 2021. Results for several research phases of the best practice framework development are expected by January 2023, commencing with the systematic literature review and the scoping review. CONCLUSIONS: The research program outlined in this protocol is a timely response to the growing number of eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A best practice framework is needed to guide the rigorous development and evaluation of eHealth innovations to promote genuine co-design and ensure cultural safety and clinical effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/34904.

Mobile apps for dementia awareness, support, and prevention - review and evaluation.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to document the characteristics and appraise the quality of dementia applications (apps) to support persons living with dementia and their caregivers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic searches of the Australian-based Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and relevant websites sought apps with dementia or Alzheimer's information, support for caregivers and persons living with dementia, or prevention content. Apps were screened and subsequently appraised via the mobile application review system (MARS). RESULTS: The majority of the final 75 dementia apps were free to download, but were only available on a single platform. Persons involved in caregiving were the primary audience. App content focused on dementia information, practical caregiving, and communication tips. Language options in addition to English were limited and few apps offered ongoing support. MARS appraisal identified few apps with good "Overall Quality" scores. Apps that were more comprehensive trended towards higher MARS scores. CONCLUSIONS: A composite lack of standardised quality indicators and commercial drivers of the marketplace present significant barriers for consumers seeking meaningful dementia information and support. Persons living with dementia and their caregivers would significantly benefit from social and organisational services that assist with navigating the app marketplace.Implications for rehabilitationThere is significant opportunity for quality digital innovations, including apps, to support home-based, independent dementia care.A composite lack of standardised quality indicators and commercial drivers of the app marketplace present significant barriers for persons living with dementia and their caregivers who seek apps with dementia information and support.Social and organisational services can support the dementia community through assistance with navigating the app marketplace for quality dementia information and support.