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Goodwin J, McSherry E, Goulding R, O'Mahony J, O'Callaghan R, Chambers C. "People want better": a qualitative exploration of stakeholders' views on introducing well-being coordinators in the screen industry. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2326681. [PMID: 38465627 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2326681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are several factors that negatively impact the well-being of those working in the screen industry. Consequently, the need to introduce Well-being Coordinators has been identified. This study explored the experiences of participants who undertook a Well-being Coordination course tailored for the screen sector. Additionally, it sought to delve into perspectives regarding well-being within the screen industry. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The study was guided by an interpretive descriptive approach. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. FINDINGS Five themes were identified: Opportunities and challenges working in the screen industry, co-existing with harassment, the need for change: importance of wellbeing, becoming a well-being co-ordinator: learning from the course, and the future of the well-being co-ordinator role: opportunities and challenges. The reality that cast and crew co-exist with several forms of harassment within the industry was noted. Despite this, there is hope for the future of the screen sector, particularly the positive impact the role of the Well-being Coordinator could have. CONCLUSIONS The experiences of professionals across the screen industry vary; however, a pervasive culture of bullying and harassment is commonplace. Through the introduction of Well-being Coordinators, there is the potential to enact positive change.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Goodwin
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eleanor McSherry
- Adult and Continuing Education, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ryan Goulding
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - James O'Mahony
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rachael O'Callaghan
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciara Chambers
- Department of Film & Screen Media, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Tan XR, Wilson IM, Tay PKC, Win PPS, Song CF, Wee SL. Mapping of technological strategies for reducing social isolation in homebound older adults: A scoping review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 125:105478. [PMID: 38776697 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homebound older adults (HOAs) are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which engender a poorer physical and mental health, and greater cognitive decline. The purpose of this review is to map the literature to identify potential technological strategies that reduce social isolation in HOAs, and to understand facilitators and barriers for adoption and implementation. METHODS Six databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, EBSCOHost, National Library ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Journal of Medical Internet Research were searched for relevant articles. Peer-reviewed literature published in English from Jan 2014 to Feb 2024 that employed technological strategies applicable to HOAs and assessed social isolation or connectedness as an outcome measure were included. RESULTS 107 studies were reviewed and classified into different technological categories based on their functions and features. A social technology framework encompassing delivery, hardware, software, content, training, and support was conceptualized with core characteristics identified from the reviewed technological strategies. Cost and complexity of technology, and resource commitment were identified as barriers while user-friendliness, content curation and a supportive ecosystem may facilitate the adoption of a technological strategy to address social isolation in HOAs. CONCLUSION There is a need for early and concerted effort to identify HOAs, provide technology training, and empower them to tap on the digital world to complement and/or supplement social interactions. Development of cost-effective and rapid-to-implement technology is vital for HOAs who are at highest risk to social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ren Tan
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Ingrid M Wilson
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Latrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Kay Chai Tay
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Phoo Pyae Sone Win
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Cai Feng Song
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Shiou-Liang Wee
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore; Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore
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Morris L, Innes A, Williamson T, Wyatt M, Smith E, McEvoy P. Experiences of a communication-skills course for care partners of people living with dementia, empowered conversations: A qualitative framework analysis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:227-243. [PMID: 38288632 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aims were to examine whether an experiential course for care partners of people living with dementia, Empowered Conversations (EC), was acceptable to participants and to explore participants' perceptions of the impact of the course upon their communicative interactions. EC is based on an integrative model derived from psychological and linguistic theory and empirical evidence. EC is based on mentalisation theory, perceptual control theory and linguistic theory (The Communicative Impact Model). METHODS Qualitative data were collected via 28 semistructured interviews. Framework analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS Three superordinate themes, 'improved communication', 'improved well-being' and 'support through others' were identified. Twenty-seven out of the 28 participants described feeling that they were able to better connect with the person living with dementia that they were supporting through attending EC. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicated that EC was acceptable and beneficial to care partners. Care partners developed a range of strategies and understandings that enabled them to communicate better with the person they were supporting, enhanced well-being and relationships, as well as developing social networks. This is the first qualitative study to examine a psychosocial intervention for care partners of people living with dementia using a non-CBT framework and indicates that perceived control could influence how care partners respond to stress and difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Morris
- Institute of Dementia, School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Anthea Innes
- Institute of Dementia, School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Tracey Williamson
- Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Megan Wyatt
- Institute of Dementia, School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Emma Smith
- Six Degrees Social Enterprise, Salford, UK
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Muurling M, de Boer C, Hinds C, Atreya A, Doherty A, Alepopoulos V, Curcic J, Brem AK, Conde P, Kuruppu S, Morató X, Saletti V, Galluzzi S, Vilarino Luis E, Cardoso S, Stukelj T, Kramberger MG, Roik D, Koychev I, Hopøy AC, Schwertner E, Gkioka M, Aarsland D, Visser PJ. Feasibility and usability of remote monitoring in Alzheimer's disease. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241238133. [PMID: 38601188 PMCID: PMC11005503 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241238133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) can measure cognitive and functional decline objectively at-home, and offer opportunities to measure passively and continuously, possibly improving sensitivity and reducing participant burden in clinical trials. However, there is skepticism that age and cognitive or functional impairment may render participants unable or unwilling to comply with complex RMT protocols. We therefore assessed the feasibility and usability of a complex RMT protocol in all syndromic stages of Alzheimer's disease and in healthy control participants. Methods For 8 weeks, participants (N = 229) used two activity trackers, two interactive apps with either daily or weekly cognitive tasks, and optionally a wearable camera. A subset of participants participated in a 4-week sub-study (N = 45) using fixed at-home sensors, a wearable EEG sleep headband and a driving performance device. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating compliance and drop-out rates. Usability was assessed by problem rates (e.g., understanding instructions, discomfort, forgetting to use the RMT or technical problems) as discussed during bi-weekly semi-structured interviews. Results Most problems were found for the active apps and EEG sleep headband. Problem rates increased and compliance rates decreased with disease severity, but the study remained feasible. Conclusions This study shows that a highly complex RMT protocol is feasible, even in a mild-to-moderate AD population, encouraging other researchers to use RMTs in their study designs. We recommend evaluating the design of individual devices carefully before finalizing study protocols, considering RMTs which allow for real-time compliance monitoring, and engaging the partners of study participants in the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn Muurling
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Casper de Boer
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Hinds
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford Big Data Institute, Oxford, UK
| | - Alankar Atreya
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford Big Data Institute, Oxford, UK
| | - Aiden Doherty
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford Big Data Institute, Oxford, UK
| | - Vasilis Alepopoulos
- Information Technologies Institute, Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH-ITI), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Anna-Katharine Brem
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Conde
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sajini Kuruppu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Xavier Morató
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentina Saletti
- Laboratory Alzheimer's Neuroimaging & Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Samantha Galluzzi
- Laboratory Alzheimer's Neuroimaging & Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Estefania Vilarino Luis
- Centre de la mémoire, Université de Genève (UNIGE), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Cardoso
- Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tina Stukelj
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ljubljana and Medical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milica Gregorič Kramberger
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ljubljana and Medical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Department of Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dora Roik
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg,
Germany
| | - Ivan Koychev
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ann-Cecilie Hopøy
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Emilia Schwertner
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Department of Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mara Gkioka
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI – AUTh), Balkan Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Pieter Jelle Visser
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Department of Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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To SB, Gray J, Jain P, Porter JH, Comello MLG. Advocating, Unlearning, Tearing It All Down? How BIPOC Young Adults with Mental Health Concerns Perceive and Engage with the Media. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38058284 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2290882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the salience of issues related to social justice, mental health, and health equity. During this time, the media have been instrumental in amplifying social movements but also in spreading mis/disinformation, violence, and hatred. Among communities who have been affected heavily during this time are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) young adults who have a mental illness/significant mental health concerns. As frequent engagers and creators of media, their perspectives are critical to informing what aspects of the media should be leveraged to promote the health, well-being, and safety of people who have been marginalized. Thus, our study asks: How do BIPOC young adults (in the United States) who have a behavioral health diagnosis or significant mental health concerns perceive the media? Guided by intersectionality and grounded theory, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 participants. The results reveal participants' 1) deep recognition of how the media uphold oppressive structures and 2) identification of ways that people have used and can use the media to fight those same structures. Researchers and media leaders should listen to, center the experiences of, collaborate with, and follow the lead of people who have been marginalized. This is critical to transforming the media such that they promote the well-being of all people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie B To
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jaz Gray
- Communication Division, Pepperdine University
| | - Parul Jain
- E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University
| | - Jeannette H Porter
- Department of Strategic Communication, Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri
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Schepens Niemiec SL, Lee E, Saunders R, Wagas R, Wu S. Technology for activity participation in older people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: expert perspectives and a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 18:1555-1576. [PMID: 36067094 PMCID: PMC9986344 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2116114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This two-phased study aimed to collate, summarize and characterize - through the lens of an occupation-based, person-centred framework - ongoing research and practice featuring activity participation-supportive digital health technology (DHT) for direct use by older persons with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Phase 1: Using scoping review procedures, PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched to identify primary research studies. Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews were completed with MCI/ADRD expert stakeholders identified through publicly available biographies and snowball referral. Thematic analysis was used to identify, synthesize and cross-compare emergent themes from both data sources that were subsequently organized into core facets of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. RESULTS The scoping review resulted in 28 studies, which were primarily feasibility work with small sample sizes. Interviewed experts (N = 17) had 4+ years of MCI/ADRD experience, came from a variety of settings, and held myriad roles. Real world and research-based use of DHTs held some commonalities, particularly around support for social participation and instrumental activities of daily engagement. No DHT for sleep or work/volunteerism were noted in either phase. People with milder MCI/ADRD conditions were most often targeted users. Soft technology strategies facilitating implementation centred on product design (e.g., prompting software, customisability, multimedia/multisensory experiences), instructional methods and technology partner involvement. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that although DHT supportive of activity participation is being studied and integrated into the lives of PwMCI/ADRD, there are still key opportunities for growth to meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD end users.Implications for rehabilitationMainstream digital health technologies (DHTs) are being utilized by persons with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD) in everyday life, in limited capacities, to support social participation, leisure, health management and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).Innovative research-based technologies to be used directly by PwMCI/ADRD are under development, particularly to facilitate management of ADL, social participation and IADL in persons with mild-to-moderate forms of cognitive impairment.Soft technology strategies to support technology implementation with MCI/ADRD target users include close attention to design of the technology (e.g., customisability, sensory stimulators and prompting features), instructional strategies that promote learning and motivation and involvement of technology partners to facilitate engagement with the technology.Future studies will require more robust research designs with transparent reports of participant characteristics and facilitative instructional methods to expand DHT's potential to account for and better meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD communities in real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Schepens Niemiec
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elissa Lee
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raquel Saunders
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rafael Wagas
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinyi Wu
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bradley L, Shanker S, Murphy J, Fenge LA, Heward M. Effectiveness of digital technologies to engage and support the wellbeing of people with dementia and family carers at home and in care homes: A scoping review. DEMENTIA 2023:14713012231178445. [PMID: 37235791 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231178445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Use of digital technologies to support meaningful engagement of people with dementia and carers increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the effectiveness of digital technologies in supporting the engagement and wellbeing of people with dementia and family carers at home and in care homes. Studies published in peer reviewed literature were identified across four databases (CINAHL, Medline, PUBMED, PsychINFO). Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that digital technologies can potentially support the wellbeing of people with dementia and family carers, although only a few studies had measured impact on wellbeing, as many were reporting on technology at proof-of-concept stage rather than commercially ready products. Moreover, current studies lacked meaningful involvement of people with dementia, family carers, and care professionals in the design of the technology. Future research should bring together people with dementia, family carers, care professionals and designers to coproduce digital technologies with researchers and evaluate them using robust methodologies. Codesign should start early in the intervention development phase and continue until implementation. There is a need for real world applications that nurture social relationships by focusing on how digital technologies can support more personalised, adaptive forms of care. Developing the evidence base to identify what makes digital technologies effective in supporting the wellbeing of people with dementia is crucial. Future interventions should therefore consider the needs and preferences of people with dementia, their families, and professional carers, as well as the suitability and sensitivity of wellbeing outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey Bradley
- Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Shanti Shanker
- Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Jane Murphy
- Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Lee-Ann Fenge
- Centre for Seldom Heard Voices, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Michelle Heward
- Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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Zhu X, He M, Dong Y, Zhang S, Fang S, Wang W, Zhang M, Sun J. How tablets/applications enhance social connections and social support in people with dementia: A qualitative systematic review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:727-743. [PMID: 36715170 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 Lancet issue identified social isolation as one of 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia and revealed that enhanced social connections and social support can effectively reduce the incidence of social isolation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology attracted an increasing amount of attention, and it is necessary to synthesize ideas from existing evidence. First, we explored how people with dementia experienced changes in social connection and social support due to tablet/app use. Second, we explored the attitudes of people with dementia towards tablets and mobile applications. Third, we explored the feasibility of using tablets and mobile applications to enhance social connection and social support among people with dementia. We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of studies, extracted the data and performed critical appraisals of each included study. The data synthesis was conducted using thematic analysis. A total of nine studies were included. Eight studies used mobile applications via tablets, and one study collected textual data from Twitter for analysis. Four themes were synthesized: (1) change from the perspective of caregivers; (2) growth of nonsingle aspects; (3) emotional feeling of belonging; and (4) feasibility of using digital technology. Tablet- and mobile application-based interventions can enhance both online and offline social connections and provide multiple types of social support among people with dementia. People with dementia have positive attitudes towards tablets and mobile applications. Overall, it is feasible for people with dementia to use technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng He
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Yueyang Dong
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Shuyan Fang
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Wenxia Wang
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | | | - Jiao Sun
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
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Flynn A, Barry M, Qi Koh W, Reilly G, Brennan A, Redfern S, Casey D. Introducing and Familiarising Older Adults Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers to Virtual Reality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16343. [PMID: 36498417 PMCID: PMC9736737 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly being applied in dementia care across a range of applications and domains including health and wellbeing. Despite the commercial availability of VR, informants of design are not always aware of its functionality and capabilities, to meaningfully contribute to VR design. In designing VR applications for people living with dementia, it is recommended that older adults living with dementia and their support persons be involved in the design process using participatory approaches, thereby giving them a voice on the design of technology from the outset. A VR technology probe is a useful means of familiarising older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers with the knowledge and understanding of interactive VR to employ technology that supports them to maintain their social health. This paper charts the implementation and evaluation of a VR technology probe, VR FOUNDations. To explore their experiences, nine older adults living with dementia and their nine informal caregivers trialled VR FOUNDations and completed semi-structured interviews after its use. Overall, older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers perceived VR FOUNDations to achieve its aim of increasing understanding and inspiring future design decisions. The findings also identified promising positive experiences using a VR technology probe which may be indicative of its applicability to social health and wellbeing domains. This paper advocates for the structured design and implementation of VR technology probes as a pre-requisite to the participatory design of VR applications for the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. The use of such technology probes may afford older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers the best opportunity to contribute to design decisions and participate in technology design to support their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Flynn
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Marguerite Barry
- Information and Communication Studies, ADAPT Centre, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wei Qi Koh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Gearóid Reilly
- School of Computer Science, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Attracta Brennan
- School of Computer Science, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Sam Redfern
- School of Computer Science, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Dympna Casey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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Goodall G, Taraldsen K, Granbo R, Serrano JA. Towards personalized dementia care through meaningful activities supported by technology: A multisite qualitative study with care professionals. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:468. [PMID: 34418973 PMCID: PMC8380345 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Person-centred care is widely recognised as important for helping people with dementia maintain a sense of self and purpose in life - especially for those living in care facilities. Despite this, most care practices still adopt a medical approach in which physical needs are prioritized over psychosocial well-being. Addressing the need to find ways of promoting person-centred approaches in care, this study explored care professionals' reflections on a novel, technological intervention (SENSE-GARDEN) that combines multisensory stimuli and digital media to create personalized environments for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of care professionals who had used SENSE-GARDEN for approximately 1 year. METHODS Three care homes in Norway, Belgium, and Portugal and 1 hospital in Romania used the SENSE-GARDEN with residents/patients with moderate to severe dementia over the course of 1 year. Qualitative data - including observations and interviews with 2 care professionals - were collected at the beginning of the study period from the Norwegian care home to explore initial impressions of the new SENSE-GARDEN room. At the end of the study period, 8 care professionals across the 4 facilities were interviewed for an in-depth exploration of their experiences. The two sets of data were analysed separately through reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS At the beginning of the study period, the staffs' focus was mainly on the novelty of the new SENSE-GARDEN room and how it provided opportunities for meaningful experiences. Post-intervention, the care professionals provided reflective accounts on how care could be delivered in alternative ways to standard practice. The themes generated from the post-intervention interviews were: "shifting focus onto personalized care", "building and fostering relationships", and "continuous discoveries". Through delivering person-centred care, the professionals reported a sense of purpose and achievement in their work. CONCLUSIONS Professionals from care facilities across 4 different countries highlighted the value of interventions such as SENSE-GARDEN as a way of creating opportunities to better know people with dementia. Thus, they experienced improved relationships and greater job satisfaction. However, delivering person-centred interventions is time-consuming, and future research should evaluate the feasibility of sustaining them on a long-term basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Goodall
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Kristin Taraldsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Randi Granbo
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - J Artur Serrano
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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