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Self-directed learning of informal caregivers using mobile health:

A systematic review

Published Date: 3.7.2025

View Publication

Theme: Developing skills and knowledge

Sub-theme: Online learning

Digital literacy Carer education Carer needs Support and Training International publication Systematic review

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Developing skills and knowledge

Sub-theme: Online learning

View Publication Digital literacy Carer education Carer needs Support and Training International publication Systematic review

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Self-directed learning of informal caregivers using mobile health:

A systematic review

Published Date: 3.7.2025

  • Author/ Authors

    Dauster Souza Pereira, Priscilla Perez da Silva Pereira

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Pereira, D. S., & Da Silva Pereira, P. P. (2025). Self-directed learning of informal caregivers using mobile health: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13019-7

Long Summary

This publication explores self-directed learning among informal carers using electronic databases. The review includes studies from diverse sources, time periods, and languages, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Drawing from a sample of 5,087 carers, the analysis highlights mobile health as a powerful tool for supporting self-learning. The findings suggest a need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of internet-based learning among informal carers.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • This study found that the urgent need to learn how to provide care drives carers to turn to technology as an immediate solution for managing their caring responsibilities.
  • Mobile health tools can be a helpful way for caregivers to learn and feel more confident in their role. But they should never replace proper health support.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Digital health use grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains important for supporting informal caregivers. However, its impact on universal health coverage, particularly for vulnerable groups, is still uncertain and needs further evaluation.
  • While many carers can find health information online, barriers like limited internet access and uncertainty about content quality persist, especially in low-resource settings. Building trust and digital skills, alongside improving access, is essential to make digital health tools truly effective and inclusive.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.