Best Practice Guidance
Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia

Guidance

Researchers and developers of web-based psychosocial interventions for people with dementia and carers should consider working together with existing dementia charities and support organisations during the intervention development. During the implementation and dissemination phase, these charities and organisations can be supportive in informing the public about the intervention, thereby increasing its potential use.

Explanation and Examples:

Existing research has shown the need for easily accessible psychosocial interventions for people with dementia and carers. Many people affected by dementia reach out to existing and well-established dementia support organisations and charities, such as Alzheimer’s Society UK in the UK, after they received the diagnosis. We conducted focus groups with 17 people with dementia and family carers to inform the development of a web-based psychosocial intervention. In these consultations, several participants pointed out that the intervention needs to be easy to find. Therefore, they suggested integrating it into the online content of dementia support organisations since these organisations are often the first source of support for people with dementia and carers. For example, the dementia support organisation (e.g., Alzheimer’s Society UK) could have a link on its website for people with dementia and carers that leads them to the intervention. Working together with these dementia support organisations during the intervention development phase can enhance the intervention’s implementation, dissemination, and future use. It will also enable easy access to the intervention and enhance its credibility and trustworthiness.