Assessment of a Digital Platform Supporting Chinese Caregivers of Elderly with Chronic Illnesses

Overview

This study evaluated the 656 online platform designed to support Chinese family caregivers of elderly individuals with stroke, dementia, or fractures. It examined caregiver characteristics, platform adoption, impact on caregiver stress and competence, and user satisfaction over 15 months.

Background

Age-related chronic diseases such as stroke, dementia, and fractures have increased the demand for informal caregiving, especially in aging societies. Family caregivers play a critical role but often experience significant physical and psychological burdens. Digital health platforms have improved chronic disease management but remain underutilized for caregiver support, particularly in Chinese cultural contexts where filial piety intensifies caregiving expectations. The 656 platform was developed to address these gaps by providing resources, assessment tools, forums, and chatbot support tailored to caregivers' practical and emotional needs.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The 656 platform was specifically designed for caregivers of elderly with stroke, dementia, and fractures, integrating educational content, community resources, discussion forums, and a chatbot.
• Caregivers who adopted the platform exhibited distinct digital behavior patterns compared to non-users over the 15-month period.
• Use of the platform was associated with improvements in caregiver outcomes including reduced stress and enhanced competence and preparedness.
• User satisfaction and engagement with the platform and its chatbot feature were generally positive, indicating acceptability in the target population.
• The platform addressed unique cultural and practical needs of Chinese caregivers, emphasizing filial piety and community support.

Clinical Implications

The 656 digital platform offers a culturally tailored tool to support Chinese family caregivers managing elderly relatives with chronic illnesses, potentially reducing caregiver burden and improving caregiving competence. Clinicians and community health workers should consider integrating such digital resources into caregiver support programs to enhance accessibility and sustained engagement. Tailoring digital interventions to socio-cultural contexts is critical for maximizing their effectiveness and adoption.

Conclusion

The 656 online platform demonstrates promise as a practical, culturally sensitive digital solution to support Chinese caregivers of elderly individuals with chronic diseases. Its use is associated with improved caregiver outcomes and high user satisfaction, highlighting its potential for broader implementation.

References

1. Hong Kong Caregiver Survey 2020 -- Psychosocial Health Issues in Caregivers
2. Mencius (Chinese Classic) -- Teaching on Filial Piety
3. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06771557 -- Study Registration of 656 Platform Evaluation