Effectiveness of m-learning HiSense APP-ID in enhancing knowledge, empathy, and self-efficacy in caregivers of persons with intellectual disabilities: a randomized controlled trial

Evelien van Wingerden*, Mirjam Wouda, Paula Sterkenburg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

M-learning is a flexible form of digital education that can benefit professional caregivers. The m-learning intervention ‘HiSense APP-ID’ was developed to support caregivers of persons with intellectual disability (ID). The intervention focuses on improving knowledge about sensitive and responsive caregiving for persons with ID. This randomized controlled trial of 101 professional caregivers of persons with moderate or mild ID evaluated whether m-learning improves practical and theoretical knowledge about secure attachment in persons with ID, and increases empathy and self-efficacy. The ‘HiSense APP-ID’ consists of 120 multiple-choice questions relating to attachment theory and the experience of persons with ID. Participants answer four questions each day for 30 days. In pre-, post-, and follow-up assessments, all participants completed a series of questionnaires concerning social validity, knowledge, self-efficacy, and empathy. Linear mixed effects modeling was then used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Users rated the app positively on usefulness, ease of use, design, and development of their own skills. Knowledge improved in the group of participants who followed m-learning. An interaction effect was found for empathic concern, but no significant effect was found for social empathy or self-efficacy. Thus, m-learning is a useful and flexible educational tool for professional caregivers of persons with ID, and the ‘HiSense APP-ID’ was able to improve theoretical knowledge in very short sessions spaced over a longer period of time.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)893-901
Number of pages9
JournalHealth and Technology
Volume9
Issue number5
Early online date10 Sept 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2019

Funding

This research is funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development ZonMw, The Netherlands. Project number 845004004.

FundersFunder number
Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development ZonMW

    Keywords

    • Empathy
    • Intellectual disabilities
    • M-learning
    • Professional caregivers
    • Sensitivity
    • User experience

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