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Hardy MS, Fanaki C, Savoie C. The use of technology by seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:573. [PMID: 38961323 PMCID: PMC11220951 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05174-z] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To map the current state of knowledge about the use of technology with seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care to foster interactions, wellness, and stimulation. METHODS Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus); MEDLINE; PsycINFO; Embase and Web of Science were searched in eligible literature, with no limit of time, to describe the current use of technology by seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care. All types of literature were considered except for theses, editorial, social media. This scoping review was built around the recommendations of Peters et al. (2020 version). Three researchers collaborated on the selection of articles and independently reviewed the papers, based on the eligibility criteria and review questions. RESULTS The search yielded 3,605 studies, of which 39 were included. Most technology type reported was robotics. Included studies reports different positive effects on the use of such technology such as increase of engagement and positive. CONCLUSION The study highlights different types and potential benefits of technology for long-term care residents with neurocognitive disorders, emphasizing the crucial need for additional research to refine interventions and their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Soleil Hardy
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Chaimaa Fanaki
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Savoie
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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André M, Enez J, Charras K, Besançon M, Delouvée S. Autonomy, independence, and participation of nursing home habitants addressed by assistive technology: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38832368 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2359472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Assistive technologies have been identified by researchers and public policies of the Western world to be promising tools to face the challenge of maintaining quality of life of older people, and especially for nursing home habitants. Independence, autonomy, and participation are major determinants of quality of life of nursing homes habitants. Maintaining quality of life is nowadays a priority for public health policies and institutions of the where the population is growing older every year. METHOD This PRISMA-ScR review aims to determine which assistive technologies are used to promote autonomy, independence, and social participation of nursing home habitants. An electronic search was conducted for English, French articles to identify research studies using CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Googlescholar. RESULTS 12 papers published between 2009 and 2023 described 6 assistive technologies: technologies integrated into the environment, monitoring technologies, surveillance technologies, information and communication technology, social assistance robots, virtual reality. Six types of AT are currently used worldwide to maintain autonomy, independence and participation of people living in nursing homes. Their use is mainly perceived as positive by habitants, care and non-care staff, next of kin, and experts despite some concerns regarding ethical, financial, consideration. DISCUSSION Nevertheless, their impact on habitant's autonomy, independence and participation still needs to be measured using suitable tools to understand their real impact on the quality of life of the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle André
- Living Lab Vieillissements et Vulnérabilités (LL2V), Université Rennes, Service de gériatrie, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication), Université de Bretagne Sud, Université de Brest, Université de Rennes 2, Institut Brestois des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Rennes, France
| | - Jérémy Enez
- Living Lab Vieillissements et Vulnérabilités (LL2V), Université Rennes, Service de gériatrie, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
- IFPEK, Institut de Formation en Pédicurie-Podologie, Ergothérapie, Masso-Kinésithérapie, Rennes, France
| | - Kevin Charras
- Living Lab Vieillissements et Vulnérabilités (LL2V), Université Rennes, Service de gériatrie, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication), Université de Bretagne Sud, Université de Brest, Université de Rennes 2, Institut Brestois des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Rennes, France
| | - Maud Besançon
- Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication), Université de Bretagne Sud, Université de Brest, Université de Rennes 2, Institut Brestois des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvain Delouvée
- Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication), Université de Bretagne Sud, Université de Brest, Université de Rennes 2, Institut Brestois des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société, Rennes, France
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Finsel J, Rosenbohm A, Peter RS, Bäzner H, Börtlein A, Dempewolf S, Schabet M, Hecht M, Kohler A, Opherk C, Nägele A, Sommer N, Lindner A, Rothenbacher D, Ludolph AC, Nagel G, Lulé DE. Coping as a resource to allow for psychosocial adjustment in fatal disease: results from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1361767. [PMID: 38638511 PMCID: PMC11024296 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1361767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder, which imposes a severe emotional burden on patients. Appropriate coping mechanisms may alleviate this burden and facilitate wellbeing, with social support known to be a successful coping strategy. This observational study aimed to determine the interplay of general coping traits of hope for success and fear of failure, coping behavior of social activity, and patients' wellbeing. Methods In this cross-sectional study, patients with ALS from a clinical-epidemiological registry in Southwestern Germany were interviewed regarding coping traits (achievement-motivated behavior: hope for success and fear of failure), coping behavior of social activity, and psychosocial adjustment, determined using measures of depressiveness, anxiety [both measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and quality of life [Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment (ACSA)]. Demographics, clinical [ALS Functional Rating Scale revised version (ALSFRS-R)], and survival data were recorded. Results A total of 868 patients [60.70% male patients, mean age: 64.70 (±10.83) years, mean ALSFRS-R: 37.36 ± 7.07] were interviewed. Anxiety in patients was found to be associated with a high fear of failure. In contrast, a generally positive attitude in patients exemplified in high hopes for success was associated with better wellbeing. Finally, coping behavior of social activity explained up to 65% of the variance of depressiveness among the patients with ALS. Conclusion In this study, we present evidence that the wellbeing of patients with ALS is not an immediate fatalistic consequence of physical degradation but rather determined by coping traits and behavior, which may be trained to substantially increase the wellbeing of patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Finsel
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Raphael S. Peter
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Bäzner
- Department of Neurology, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Axel Börtlein
- Department of Neurology, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Silke Dempewolf
- Department of Neurology, RKH Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schabet
- Department of Neurology, RKH Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Hecht
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Kaufbeuren, Kliniken Oberallgäu-Kaufbeuren, Kaufbeuren, Germany
| | - Andreas Kohler
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum am Gesundbrunnen Heilbronn, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Christian Opherk
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum am Gesundbrunnen Heilbronn, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Andrea Nägele
- Department of Neurology, Christophsbad Göppingen, Göppingen, Germany
| | - Norbert Sommer
- Department of Neurology, Christophsbad Göppingen, Göppingen, Germany
| | - Alfred Lindner
- Department of Neurology, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabriele Nagel
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Schneider P, Abt M, Cohen C, Marmier N, Ortoleva Bucher C. The impact of protective measures against COVID-19 on the wellbeing of residents in nursing homes and their relatives: a rapid review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:649. [PMID: 37821833 PMCID: PMC10568910 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04300-7] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic and compared to other population groups, older people were at a heightened risk of developing lethal disease symptoms. Thus, many countries put in place protective measures to protect this "at-risk" population, especially in nursing homes, to limit the number of infections. These measures consisted mostly in the absence of social gatherings, the impossibility for relatives to enter the nursing homes, limitations in group activities, and the ban of group-eating. Although these measures were helpful to mitigate the spread of the disease, they also induced long periods of social isolation for the residents of nursing homes. This could have impacted the wellbeing and quality of life of residents and their relatives, with a possible impact on the overall health of residents. We designed this rapid review to investigate the literature on the impact of COVID-19 protective measures in nursing homes on the quality of life, wellbeing and physical health of residents and their relatives. Our results showed that most of the articles included in the review, either using qualitative or quantitative methods, evidenced a detrimental impact of protective measures on resident's and their relatives' wellbeing. We argue that, in the event of a new pandemic similar to the COVID-19, protective measures should also take into account their psychological impact, and not only their physical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Schneider
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - M Abt
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Cohen
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Marmier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Institute of Higher Education and Research in Health Care (IUFRS), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Ortoleva Bucher
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Heinrich S, Weissenfels I, Zeller A. Emotions, action strategies and expectations of health professionals and people with dementia regarding COVID-19 in different care settings in Switzerland: a mixed methods study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:631. [PMID: 37803286 PMCID: PMC10559654 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04315-0] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 55 million people are currently affected by dementia worldwide and over 144 thousand in Switzerland. In Swiss nursing homes, 47.6% of the residents had a medical diagnosis of dementia in 2014. Due to cognitive impairment, they have difficulties remembering hygiene measures or placing them in the epidemic context. This results in a higher infection risk. There are COVID-19-associated recommendations focused on dementia care management but studies simultaneously surveying and correlating perspectives of health professionals as well as people with dementia across care settings are largely lacking. This study is focused on COVID-19-associated perspectives and needs of health professionals and people with dementia across different care settings. Lessons learned from the pandemic shall be pointed out. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods approach based on an exploratory sequential design. Two qualitative interview rounds (n = 15 participants) and a quantitative online survey (n = 148 participants) with people with dementia, caring relatives, Advanced Practice Nurses and nursing home managers (health professionals) were performed. Data collected was performed in nursing home and home-care settings. The SQRQ checklist was used. RESULTS Fear and uncertainty were highest at the beginning of the pandemic among the interviewed nursing professionals and nursing home managers. As a positive side effect of the pandemic, increased cohesion in care teams was reported. Some people with dementia experienced the decelerated outside world as pleasant and less challenging to master. Particularly during the first wave, nursing home managers rated political decision-making processes as being too slow, partly non-transparent, inconsistent, and sometimes inappropriate for people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS Although the identified emotional and physical consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are mostly negative for health professionals and people with dementia, research should also investigate potential positive side effects. Furthermore, political decisions should be passed on to care institutions as promptly, transparently, and comprehensibly as possible. The results provide guidance on dementia-focused COVID-19 management interventions incorporating lessons learned and considering the emotional impact of the pandemic in Switzerland and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Heinrich
- Dementia Competence Centre, IPW Institute of Applied Nursing Science - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, St.Gallen, 9001, Switzerland.
| | - Inga Weissenfels
- Dementia Competence Centre, IPW Institute of Applied Nursing Science - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, St.Gallen, 9001, Switzerland
| | - Adelheid Zeller
- Dementia Competence Centre, IPW Institute of Applied Nursing Science - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, St.Gallen, 9001, Switzerland
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Bußmann A, Pomorin N, Gerling V, Wolthaus H, Teichmüller AK. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice and palliative care in nursing homes-A qualitative study from a multiperspective view. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286875. [PMID: 37796817 PMCID: PMC10553271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In Germany, nursing homes are characterised by challenging conditions for adequately supporting residents at their end of life, which have even amplified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article therefore analyses how hospice and palliative care in nursing homes has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the pandemic has affected residents, relatives and employees. Semi-structured interviews with employees, residents and relatives were conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two nursing homes in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. In a pre-post comparison, data were qualitatively evaluated using content analysis according to Mayring. Shifts, congruities and discrepancies in challenges in hospice and palliative care were identified between T0 and T1. Due to contact restrictions, important parts of end-of-life care were missing, and the roles of individuals providing hospice and palliative care were redefined. The interviewed groups experienced changes differently and contradictory statements on satisfaction and expectations about hospice and palliative care were reported. Employees and relatives predominantly perceived the pandemic to be very stressful, while residents endured this period more composedly. Employees stated that, despite the pandemic, they were mostly able to meet residents' requests. However, relatives and residents expressed that minor requests were not reliably fulfilled, neither at T0 nor at T1. Drawing together the different perspectives from employees, residents and relatives offers a bigger picture of challenges in hospice and palliative care in nursing homes and the pandemic effects. Stronger communication of requests and needs as well as greater collaboration, especially under crisis conditions, are essential for a better quality of end-of-life care. There is an urgent need to break down the taboos around the topics of dying and death in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bußmann
- Essener Forschungsinstitut für Medizinmanagement GmbH, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Natalie Pomorin
- Essener Forschungsinstitut für Medizinmanagement GmbH, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Vera Gerling
- Forschungsgesellschaft für Gerontologie e.V. Institut für Gerontologie an der TU Dortmund, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Hendrik Wolthaus
- Contilia Pflege und Betreuung GmbH, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Teichmüller
- Forschungsgesellschaft für Gerontologie e.V. Institut für Gerontologie an der TU Dortmund, Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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Hoel V, Koh WQ, Sezgin D. Enrichment of dementia caregiving relationships through psychosocial interventions: A scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:1069846. [PMID: 36687423 PMCID: PMC9849912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1069846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Enrichment, defined as "the process of endowing caregiving with meaning or pleasure for both the caregiver and care recipient" can support relationships between people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers. This study aims to explore (1) the types of psychosocial interventions that may enrich relationships between dementia caregiving dyads, and (2) the components within these psychosocial interventions that may contribute to enrichment. Methods A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. We operationalized and contextualized core elements from Cartwright and colleagues' enrichment model, which was also used to guide the review. Five electronic databases were searched. Psychosocial intervention components contributing to enrichment were identified and grouped within each core element. Results Thirty-four studies were included. Psychosocial interventions generating enrichment among dyads mainly involved supporting dyadic engagement in shared activities, carer education or training, or structural change to the environment around PLWD. Intervention components contributing to the enrichment of dyadic relationships were identified within "acquired symbolic meaning", "performing activity", and "fine tuning". Dyadic communication support and skill-building were common contributors to enrichment. Conclusion Our findings may inform the planning and development of interventions to enrich dyadic relationships in the context of dementia. In formal caregiving contexts, future interventions may consider dedicating space for relationships to build and grow through positive interactions. In informal caregiving contexts, existing relationships should be considered to better support dyads engage in positive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Hoel
- Department of Nursing Science Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wei Qi Koh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Duygu Sezgin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Axenhus M, Frederiksen KS, Zhou RZ, Waldemar G, Winblad B. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in people with dementia without COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:878. [PMCID: PMC9675075 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03602-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Significant mortality amongst vulnerable populations, such as people living with dementia, might go undetected during pandemic conditions due to refocus of care efforts. There is an urgent need to fully evaluate the pandemic impact on mortality amongst people living with dementia in order to facilitate future healthcare reforms and prevent deaths. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was any significant difference in mortality amongst people with dementia without COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years. Methods A literature search was conducted in 5 databases. The relative risk ratio and confidence interval was used to estimate the change in mortality rates amongst people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The I2 value was used to assess heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Pooled analysis of 11 studies showed that mortality amongst people living with dementia was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with dementia without COVID-19. Mortality risk increased by 25% during the time period studied. Subgroup analysis was not performed due the low number of included studies. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that people with dementia had a significant increased mortality during the pandemic even if they did not have COVID-19. People with dementia should participate in efforts that reduce general social spread and pandemic impact on healthcare system such as vaccinations, mask mandates, and testing. These results have clinical implications as preventing direct COVID-19 infection is not enough to adequately protect people living with dementia from increased mortality. Measures to limit social spread of infections and help support patients should also be a focus for clinicians. Further research should focus on the identification of mechanisms and other explanations for increased mortality as well as contributing factors such as living in care homes and differences between countries with various pandemic strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03602-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Axenhus
- grid.465198.7Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kristian Steen Frederiksen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDanish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin Ziyue Zhou
- grid.465198.7Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gunhild Waldemar
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDanish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDept. of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bengt Winblad
- grid.465198.7Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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Hoel V, Ambugo EA, Wolf-Ostermann K. Sustaining Our Relationship: Dyadic Interactions Supported by Technology for People with Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710956. [PMID: 36078671 PMCID: PMC9518490 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Impaired memory function and challenges in communication affect the ability of people living with dementia to interact with family caregivers socially. The onset of dementia in a family member and the communication challenges that follow can lead to conflict, isolation and loss of closeness in the relationship. I-CARE is a tablet-based technology providing leisure activities specifically designed for people living with dementia to do in tandem with caregivers. The intention is that caregiving dyads engage with I-CARE together, using the activities contained in the system as the basis for positive social interactions. This paper reports on a mixed-methods feasibility study of I-CARE, evaluating the system's usability and assessing the impact on caregiving dyads. We also explored barriers and facilitators to independent use of the technology among community-dwelling people living with dementia and their family caregiver. Results suggest that I-CARE is a feasible tool to facilitate positive experiences in dementia caregiving dyads. Important relationship outcomes for the participating dyads were enrichment in social interactions, facilitated communication, having a shared activity and relationship sustenance. Successful uptake requires continuous proactive support tailored to the needs and preconditions of users over an extended time until they feel confident using the system independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Hoel
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus Digital Public Health, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Eliva Atieno Ambugo
- Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), 3616 Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Karin Wolf-Ostermann
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus Digital Public Health, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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Klaus F, Peek E, Quynh A, Sutherland AN, Selvam D, Moore RC, Depp CA, Eyler LT. Mobile survey engagement by older adults is high during multiple phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and is predicted by baseline and structural factors. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:920706. [PMID: 36082232 PMCID: PMC9445303 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.920706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital surveys, such as mobile phone ecological momentary assessment (EMA), bear the potential to assess and target individual wellbeing in a personalized, real-time approach and allow for interaction in situations when in-person contact is not possible, such as during the coronavirus pandemic. While the use of digital technology might especially benefit research in older adults who find themselves in circumstances of reduced mobility, little is known about their barriers to adherence. We investigated baseline and structural factors that predict study withdrawal and adherence from daily smartphone EMA self-report surveys in the StayWELL Study. The StayWELL study is a longitudinal, observational study on the relationship between social restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic and mental well-being in 95 community-dwelling older aged adults (67–87 years) who were participants in a randomized clinical trial using EMA. Withdrawal was associated with less research staff changes and less likely in participants that reached the study mid-point. No baseline characteristics predicted withdrawal. Main reasons for withdrawal were communication issues, i.e. staff not being able to contact participants. We found an adherence rate of 82% and no fatigue effects. Adherence was predicted by education status, study participation duration, reaching the study midpoint and time between study start and enrollment. COVID infections or supporting people in the household was not related to adherence. To conclude, it is feasible to conduct an EMA study in older people without impacting engagement during a pandemic. Furthermore, personal characteristics and smartphone operating system (Android vs. iOS) used did not relate to engagement, allowing for a broad distribution of digital health technologies. Our study adds information on single predictive variables relevant for adherence and withdrawal from EMA smartphone surveys in older people that can inform the design of future digital EMA research to maximize engagement and reliability of study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Klaus
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Federica Klaus
| | - Elizabeth Peek
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Avery Quynh
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ashley N. Sutherland
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Divya Selvam
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Raeanne C. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Colin A. Depp
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lisa T. Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), La Jolla, CA, United States
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