Barriers and facilitators for implementing educational technologies for family caregivers of children with ostomies

Lidia E. Collado-Cabañin, Departamento de Enfermería, Hospital Provincial Pediátrico Universitario José Luis Miranda, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
José M. Medina-Pérez, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
Carilaudy Enriquez-González, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
Mirelys Sarduy-Lugo, Departamento de Enfermería, Hospital Provincial Pediátrico Universitario José Luis Miranda, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

Introduction: The survival of children with special health conditions, particularly complex neurological conditions requiring ostomies, shifts specialized care to the family setting. Caregivers often face this role without sufficient preparation, leading to vulnerability and a risk of complications. Information and communication technologies are emerging as promising tools for providing education and ongoing support, but their effective implementation depends on identifying barriers and facilitators. Objective: To explore and analyze the barriers and facilitators perceived by family caregivers and officials of the maternal and child health program for the implementation of educational technologies in the care of children with ostomies. Method: This descriptive, exploratory qualitative study was conducted from July to November 2025 with 11 caregivers and six managers of the maternal and child health program in Santa Clara, Cuba. In-depth interviews were conducted and the data was processed using qualitative content analysis focused on the a priori categories of barriers and facilitators. Results: The main facilitators were the alignment of content with needs, the availability of time to consult resources, and the perceived usefulness of the technologies. The free availability of resources and the integration of professionals were also key. The main barrier was limited access to technological devices. Conclusion: Implementing the educational technology compendium is feasible, given the predominance of facilitators. Support from local institutions, such as television rooms, is a viable alternative to mitigate the barrier of technological access and ensure the sustainability of educational intervention.

Keywords: Barriers. Caregivers. Health education. Stomas. Facilitators.