Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to health care systems, particularly impacting the older population due to their vulnerability and increased susceptibility to severe complications. Many of the most vulnerable individuals rely on informal caregivers, who play a vital role in enabling them to continue living in their homes. However, social isolation and limited access to health services during the pandemic have made caregiving more difficult. In response, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have emerged as a training and support solution for caregivers. This study focuses on a MOOC developed to assist caregivers during the pandemic, aiming to enhance their knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention measures and promote effective self-care practices.
Objective: The study's aim is to develop and validate a MOOC integrating personal and housing hygiene measures to be adopted in self-care-related activities, surveillance, and monitoring by caregivers of the most vulnerable home-dwelling-dependent people, to provide safe care and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: A methodological study was developed. The content of the MOOC was developed based on scientific evidence and a Delphi study. The course was organized into 9 modules, addressing aspects related to safe self-care assistance and minimizing the risk of contagion. A convenience sample of 33 informal caregivers was recruited through a caregivers' association to verify the adequacy of the course. Knowledge questionnaires were administered before and after the course to assess the impact on caregivers' knowledge. The Family Caregiving Factors Inventory was used to evaluate caregiver resources, knowledge, expectations, and difficulties. Additionally, the technology acceptance model was applied to assess participants' satisfaction with the MOOC.
Results: Prior to attending the MOOC, participants demonstrated an average knowledge level score of mean 14.94 (SD 2.72). After completing the course, this score significantly increased to mean 16.52 (SD 2.28), indicating an improvement in knowledge. Caregivers found the course accessible, valuable, and applicable to their caregiving roles. Feedback regarding the MOOC's structure, illustrative videos, and language was overwhelmingly positive. Participants perceived the course as a valuable resource for decision-making in care delivery, leading to enhanced self-esteem and confidence.
Conclusions: The MOOC has proven to be an effective tool for increasing caregivers' knowledge and empowering them in their roles. Remarkably, even low-literacy caregivers found the course valuable for its clear and understandable information. The MOOC demonstrated its adaptability to challenges faced during the pandemic, ensuring access to relevant information. This empowering strategy for caregivers has yielded positive outcomes. The MOOC represents a tool to support and empower informal caregivers, enabling them to provide optimal care during difficult times.
Keywords: COVID-19; care challenges; caregivers; distance; education; effectiveness; family; health system; massive open online courses; older people; safe care; skill; social isolation.
©Maria José Lumini, Maria Rui Sousa, Berta Salazar, Teresa Martins. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 25.09.2023.