An Internet-based videoconferencing system for supporting frail elderly people and their carers

Abstract

The ACTION project uses information and communication technology to support frail elderly people and their family carers. The aims are to enhance their quality of life, independence and preparedness and to break social isolation. A videoconferencing system, connecting homes and a call centre, was used in a pilot study in 1997 - 2002. A re-designed system was brought into use in late 2004 and over 60 new units were introduced during the first six months. The new system was evaluated with an interview study and by data logging. Eight family users and four professional carers were interviewed. The family users had used the videophone at least six times and they had had the equipment at home for at least two months. The average number of initiated calls per user was 5.7 per month and the average call time per user was 40 min per month. Seven of the users (88%) reported that the system very much reduced their sense of loneliness and isolation. The results of the evaluation were encouraging. There were several frequent users of videoconferencing. System quality was acceptable although a shorter audio delay would be desirable. The system was used regularly by the participants and it fulfilled its purpose.

Video Communication in Remote Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy Groups

“…Physical barriers can be removed and new social contacts can be created, as video communication offers an easier access to the services, which is in line with previous studies (e.g., Savolainen et al 2008). Although, the people who have very few social contacts can be difficult to reach in order to introduce these services to them.…”

“…The use of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in a situation where communication with an older adult is otherwise difficult to maintain has been identified as offering the possibility for a carer to be involved in the life of an individual older person (Sävenstedt et al 2006). In addition, video call meetings have been identified as being especially useful in countries with challenging weather conditions, for example, during the cold winter months (Savolainen et al, 2008).…”

Reducing caregiver stress with internet-based interventions: a systematic review of open-label and randomized controlled trials

“…[39][40][41][42][43] We also excluded studies which did not measure outcomes related to reducing caregiver stress or improving caregiver QOL but instead might have measured caregiver knowledge, for example. 39,[44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] Some of the interventions were only informational or educational without any interactive component such as a discussion forum or a method for the caregiver to interact with providers or other caregivers. 50,53-59 Some tested whether an in-person educational workshop could be equally effective when converted to an online format.…”

Long-Term Evaluation of a Telepresence Robot for the Elderly: Methodology and Ecological Case Study

“…The potential of technology to support the network of social and emotional relationships is positively evaluated especially when it allows not only to hear each other but also to see each other and to have the feeling of being together [45][46][47][48][49].…”