Acceptability of videoconferencing to preserve the contact between cognitively impaired long-term care residents and their family caregivers: A mixed-methods study.

The analysis used only 13 dyads who chose videoconferencing, so it may not represent other residents or caregivers. The study was done during pandemic visit restrictions, so results may not apply when in-person visits are normal. Resident interviews were short and conducted by staff, with staff describing reactions when residents could not answer, which may affect responses. No audio recordings were made, so qualitative findings rely on notes. Acceptability ratings were reported only for caregivers, not residents. The intervention included tablets, weekly scheduling, staff assistance, and caregiver preparation, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. No clinical outcomes were measured, so this is not an efficacy study.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded the work with Healthcare Excellence Canada; authors declared no conflict of interest.

Do not read this as evidence that tablet videocalls improve dementia symptoms, mood, or mortality. The study measured acceptability in 13 dyads during pandemic restrictions, and participants preferred in-person contact.