Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06771557

Evaluation of Usage and Efficacy of the 656 Online Platform for Reducing Caregiver Stress in Chinese Caregivers

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new online platform, 656 Online Platform, in Hong Kong in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence of caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Stoke Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Brain Diseases Caregiver Burden Central Nervous System Diseases Dementia Fall and Fractures Prevention Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Hong Kong, 999077

About this study

The informal caregivers of older adults with serious health problems, especially for stroke, dementia, and fracture, are facing numerous caregiving stress. The online platform can be a cost-effective way to support caregivers and reduce their caregiving stress.

A new online platform, the 655 Online Platform, was developed by St. James Settlement in Hong Kong, to provide caregivers with appropriate information and support, attempting to reduce their pressure. Therefore, this study was launched to evaluate the efficacy of a new online platform in reducing caregiver stress and enhancing caregiver preparedness and competence in caring for older adults with stroke, dementia, and fracture, investigate the factors influencing the usage of the online platform, and examine user satisfaction and engagement.

A longitudinal open-trial study design was applied (N=287) with outcome measures administered at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 15-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, caregiver preparedness, and competence. The user profile was explored by comparing the characteristics of participants in user group and non-user group. User satisfaction and engagement were also reported.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Family caregivers who are Chinese citizens aged 18 or above and provide care for elderly individuals aged 65 or above diagnosed with stroke, dementia, or fall-related fractures

Exclusion criteria

  • Family caregivers who have been diagnosed with severe mental or physical illness or have impairments in cognitive function, such as comprehension, memory, observation, and other related abilities

Treatment and study plan

656 Online Platform

Other

The 656 Platform provides valuable information regarding three common ailments among the elderly, namely stroke, dementia, and fall-related fractures. Serving as an online platform, the 656 Platform incorporates a Chatbot feature that facilitates connections between local caregivers, social workers, and community members to various services. Serving as an online platform, the 656 Platform incorporates an AI Chatbot and a Live Chat feature that facilitates connections between local caregivers, social workers, and community members to various services. Apart from this, the 656 Platform offers several features that enhance its functionality and user experience, including problem-based elderly resource database, interim care solutions, exchange forum, data analytics and research, and professional knowledge and resources.

Primary outcomes

  1. Caregiver stress

    Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months

    Caregiver stress was measured by Modified Caregiver Strain Index (C-M-CSI). It consists of 13 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 26. Each item is rated by a score of 0 (no), 1 (yes, sometimes) or 2 (yes, always). A higher score suggests a higher amount of strain felt by caregivers. The C-M-CSI demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese population.

  2. Preparedness for caregiving

    Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months

    Preparedness for caregiving was measured by the Chinese version of Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. The scale consists of 8 items that ask careers how well prepared they believe they are for multiple domains of caregiving. Each item is rated by a five-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all prepared) to 4 (very well prepared) with a total score from 0 to 32. The scale showed good reliability and validity in the Chinese population.

  3. Caregiver competence

    Time frame: From the baseline survey to the second follow-up survey at 15 months

    Caregiver competence was measured by the Chinese version of Caregiver Competence Scale (CCS-C).The scale includes 4 items to assess the sufficiency of a caregiver's performance as administered by the caregiver. A higher score indicates a better sense of competence. The CCS-C demonstrated good psychometric properties in the Chinese caregivers.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Other

Collaborators

  • City University of Hong Kong

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Usage and Efficacy of the 656 Online Platform for Reducing Caregiver Stress in Chinese Caregivers: Longitudinal Open-trial Study

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jan 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 13, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.