The Technology in Caring Questionnaire Development and Psychometric Properties

Objective: We developed the Technology in Caring Questionnaire (TCQ) to assess the use of technology-based strategies by dementia caregivers. Methods: One hundred caregivers completed a survey that included TCQ items along with measures of technology proficiency and patient and caregiver-centered outcomes. Results: The final 34-item TCQ scale had adequate to excellent internal consistency (raw Cronbach alpha = 0.75; standardized Cronbach alpha = 0.95; Guttman lambda-6 = 0.97). TCQ scores demonstrated modest convergent associations with scores from measures of smartphone (r = 0.265, P < 0.01) and computer proficiency (r = 0.230, P < 0.05) but a strong association with overall technology experience scores (r = 0.578, P < 0.001). Elevated TCQ scores were associated with reduced informant-reported cognitive symptoms (B = -0.003, P < 0.05), increased ability of caregivers to find support and information (B = 0.03, P < 0.001), and increased direct care strain (B = 0.03, P < 0.05), after controlling for dementia severity and demographics. Conclusion: The TCQ has good psychometric properties for the assessment of technology-based care strategies among dementia caregivers. Findings imply that the use of technologies may aid in symptom management and finding support and information but may also increase caregiver strain.