Educating Rural Caregivers with Mobile Technology

An important challenge of 21st Century America is the aging of the population and the resultant increase in the number of chronically ill persons from a variety of causes. More than 22 million people nationwide provide informal care for a family member in the home. Caregivers who live in rural areas face additional challenges due to fewer transportation options, limited access to medical professionals, lower incomes, and fewer support systems. The negative effects of long-term caregiving have resulted in the need for more effective evidence-based programs to improve caregiver outcomes. The purpose of this University/Community collaborative project was to develop and evaluate a caregiver education program implemented via an iPad application. The caregiver iPad education program included videos and handouts on Personal and Health care Needs, Nutritional Care, Accessing Community Resources, and Stress and time Management. Over 50 rural caregivers were provided 2-3 day access to the IPad and assessed post education for changes in their caregiving knowledge, skills, and reactions to using the iPad program. Results suggest the iPad program increased access of rural caregivers to supportive resources and appear to be an effective method of providing information and skill building to caregivers. Caregivers reported a moderate to great deal of improvement in the caregiving knowledge and skill areas covered in the program. iPad use was evaluated very favorable with the exception of some difficulties in sound and printing. Results support the increased development and use of mobile technology to improve access to education in vulnerable rural caregivers.