Testing & Refinement of CarePair: An Assessment and Referral Platform to Support Family Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

BEHAVIORAL

CarePair

This study will pilot test the feasibility and acceptability of a digital self-assessment and referral tool using machine learning models to enhance service use and address unmet needs in ADRD caregivers.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by the proportion of family caregivers who complete the study screening survey.

Time frame: Enrollment

The feasibility of the CarePair study will be measured by the proportion of family caregivers who complete the study screening survey among those who were directly invited to participate the study.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by the proportion of family caregivers who consent to participate and are enrolled.

Time frame: Enrollment

The feasibility of the CarePair study will be measured by the proportion of family caregivers who consent to participate among those who were screened into the study. Participants who consent to participate are then immediately randomized to their assigned condition and thus enrolled.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by the proportion of are deemed eligible based on screening criteria.

Time frame: Enrollment

The feasibility of the CarePair study will be measured by the proportion of family caregivers who are deemed eligible to participate based on screening criteria among those who completed the study's screening survey.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by recruitment rates and the proportion of family caregivers that decline participation.

Time frame: Enrollment

The feasibility of the CarePair study will be measured by the proportion of eligible family caregivers who decline to participate among those who were screened into the study.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by participant retention, as indicated by the number of participants lost to follow-up.

Time frame: Enrollment to 6-Week Follow-Up

Participant retention, as an aspect of feasibility, will be measured by the recorded number of participants number lost to follow-up. A number of the enrolled participants who the study team contacted weekly for 4 weeks, but did not answer or continue participation, will be recorded.

The Feasibility of the CarePair study as measured by participant retention, as indicated by the number of recorded dropouts.

Time frame: Enrollment to 6-Week Follow-Up

Participant retention, as an indicator of feasibility, will be assessed by recording the number of participants who withdraw from the study after enrollment

The Feasibility of the CarePair application as measured by the number of app logins per participant out of total required (minimum= 12).

Time frame: Baseline to 6-Week Follow-Up

The feasibility of the application will be measured by the number of times the participant logs in to the CarePair application. The minimum number of logins recommended to the participants is 12 (2x/week for 6 weeks).

The Feasibility of the CarePair application as measured by the number of app interactions per participant out of total required (minimum= 12).

Time frame: Baseline to 6-Week Follow-Up

Feasibility of the application will be assessed based on the number of participant interactions with CarePair's features, such as reviewing, rating, taking notes on, or saving services or articles. Participants are asked to log in and engage with the app approximately twice per week over the six-week study period, for a recommended minimum of 12 total interactions.

Application Usability, as measured using the validated System Usability Scale (SUS).

Time frame: 6-Week Follow-Up

Usability and accessibility of the CarePair application design will be measured using the validated System Usability Scale (SUS). Total scores for the SUS range from 0-100, with higher scores indicative of greater usability. A threshold score of 68 is used to indicate adequate usability.

Application usability, as measured using the validated User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS).

Time frame: 6-Week Follow-Up

Usability of the CarePair application will be measured using the validated user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). The uMARS provides a multidimensional assessment of app quality, including engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information. Scores range from 20 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable user evaluations of the app's usability and overall quality.

The Acceptability of the CarePair application as measured by a survey that measures the participants satisfaction and acceptability of the application.

Time frame: 6-Week Follow-Up

The acceptability of the CarePair application will be measured by the use of surveys assessing usability, engagement, acceptability, suggestions for improvement. Participants will be asked to rate their agreement with statements including "I enjoyed my experience using the CarePair application". Response options are rated on a five-point scale from 1-Strongly Disagree to 5-Strongly Agree. Scores range from 9-45, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction and acceptability.

The Acceptability of the CarePair application as measured by a qualitative survey that measures the participants satisfaction and acceptability of the application.

Time frame: 6-Week Follow-Up

The acceptability of the CarePair application will be measured by the use of open-ended items assessing usability, engagement, acceptability, suggestions for improvement. The intervention group participants will be administered five open-ended qualitative items asking for feedback on CarePair. Sample items include: "Would you continue using the CarePair application after this study? Why or why not?"

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.