A web-based care assistant for caregivers of the elderly: Development and pilot study

BACKGROUND: The aging population in Korea has driven a surge in demand for elderly care services, leading to significant growth in elderly welfare facilities, particularly Adult Daycare Centers (ADCs). However, despite advancements in care facilities, caregivers continue to face challenges in providing suitable elderly care due to difficulties arising from gaps in the latest information on the elderly and their coping abilities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the elderly care assistant system, which facilitates the sharing of information and knowledge necessary for elderly care among caregivers. METHODS: The ECA system was designed to support knowledge sharing through a knowledge management system based on an ontological knowledge model, with a web-based user interface for improved accessibility. A field trial was conducted at ADC in Seoul from August 17 to September 21, with eight caregivers participating. A mixed-methods approach, involving both surveys and interviews, was employed to gauge the ECA system's effectiveness. RESULTS: The study found that the use of the ECA was beneficial in promoting knowledge sharing among caregivers. Additionally, caregivers noted the potential benefits of using the ECA in conjunction with family caregivers, who can offer additional information and perspectives on elderly care. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of a care knowledge sharing system among various caregivers in elderly care. Although the elderly care assistant effectively promotes knowledge sharing, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on elderly care outcomes.