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Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
Summary
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Health App Recommendation Tool (HART), an evidence-based tool that evaluates app features and matches them to the needs, abilities, and preferences of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) or their caregivers. This novel tool is not an app in and of itself, but rather an assessment tool used to determine how well suited a given app is for a member of the ADRD or caregiver population. Specifically, the objective of this research is to assess the acceptability of the current HART design among target end-users in their individual contexts. The overarching goal of this project is to connect those in the ADRD community with available, usable, and effective digital tools to promote the highest possible level of health and wellness in community settings. To achieve this goal, the study will recruit 15 family caregivers living with their loved ones with ADRD, who will trial HART and provide feedback. Participation will include two data collection sessions (pre-intervention and post-intervention) within a four-week trial period. Participants will be asked to complete the HART, explore the recommended apps, and provide feedback on HART's usability through several brief surveys.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
15
Start Date
2025-12-05
Completion Date
2026-08-31
Last Updated
2026-01-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Health App Recommendation Tool (HART)
In 2023, over 11 million family members provided 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care for people with dementia in the U.S. Caregivers face significant physical and emotional challenges, while many individuals with ADRD prefer to stay in their homes. Mobile health apps offer support but often lack user-friendly guidance and are hard to navigate. The Health App Recommendation Tool (HART) bridges this gap by assisting ADRD caregivers in finding suitable health apps. It evaluates users' daily needs and preferences, using end-user informed points of measurement to match them with objectively reviewed apps within the HART App Library. This user-centered tool, shaped by ongoing feedback, simplifies app discovery, ensuring personalized recommendations that enhance caregiving and improve quality of life.
Locations (1)
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States