A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN THE DISTANCE CAREGIVING CONTEXT
2024

Exploring Technology in Distance Caregiving

Sample size: 58 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Budnick Andrea, Bünning Farina

Primary Institution: Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Hypothesis

How do actors perceive and utilize technological support in distance caregiving?

Conclusion

Distance caregivers effectively use various communication technologies, but concerns about technology misuse and data protection exist.

Supporting Evidence

  • Distance caregivers use various communication technologies like phones and emails.
  • Some caregivers use smart home applications and dementia clocks.
  • Concerns about technology include false alarms and data protection issues.
  • Fear of technology and lack of tech literacy hinder the use of technological support.

Takeaway

This study looks at how people caring for others from far away use technology to help, but some are scared of it or don't know how to use it well.

Methodology

One-on-one guided interviews were conducted with distance caregivers, care recipients, and local network representatives, followed by phenomenological analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported experiences and perceptions of technology use.

Limitations

The study may not represent all distance caregiving experiences as it focuses on specific individuals.

Participant Demographics

Participants included distance caregivers (mean age 51.8), care recipients (mean age 82.4), and local network representatives (mean age 55.4).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3777

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