Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-17-2026

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, Volume 49, 2026, Article number 101603.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2026.101603. Copyright © 2026 The Authors.

 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Few dementia caregivers have access to evidence-based support programs. Web applications (app) may address this gap. Plans4Care, a web app, provides caregivers with on-demand personalized solutions to address care challenges. We present results of a proof-of-concept study and describe a trial protocol to test efficacy.

METHODS: To use Plans4Care, caregivers respond to brief onboarding questions, assess dementia patients' cognitive function, identify care challenges, and generate "action plans" (personalized strategies). Telehealth sessions with dementia-trained care advisors are available. A proof-of-concept study evaluated a clickable prototype using standardized technology scales to determine if >75 % scored positively on four criteria (acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, ease-of-use). The fully developed app will be tested in a prospective randomized trial (n = 160 caregivers). Caregivers will be assigned to an immediate treatment or 6-month delayed control group to evaluate short (3, 6-months) and long-term (12-month) outcomes on caregiver wellbeing and healthcare utilization of caregivers and people with dementia. App use patterns and care advisor interactions will be evaluated.

FINDINGS/RESULTS: Proof-of-concept testing (N = 25 caregivers) resulted in high ratings (100 % achieved for acceptability and feasibility; 80 % for appropriateness; 96 % for usability), supporting full app development. The app contains >100 care challenges, >2700 nonpharmacological strategies, 60+ education-oriented guidance documents, brief how-to videos, novel assessment of cognitive function, an algorithm personalizing strategies to cognitive function and care context, and a care advisor portal. The trial will yield outcome data and utilization patterns to inform commercialization and scaling.

CONCLUSIONS: Plans4Care addresses a critical gap in dementia care with potential for commercialization and scalability.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

PubMed ID

41626066

Language

English

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