Next of kin’s experiences with and attitudes towards digital monitoring technology for ageing people with dementia in residential care facilities. A qualitative study based on the voices of next of kin and care providers

Abstract

Aim: To explore next of kin's experiences and attitudes regarding information surrounding the introduction and use of technology to monitor residential home residents with dementia. Background: As our population ages, conditions increase health care and societal challenges. Digitalisation and welfare technology are important for developing health services for the ageing population; adapting information-sharing and communication about these pics with those involved, such as next of kin, will become increasingly important for developing appropriate services. Design: This qualitative study has an exploratory and interpretative approach, using indepth interviews based on a hermeneutical-phenomenological perspective. Methods: During the process of implementing a variety of residential care monitoring technologies, data were collected primarily via semi-structured, in-depth interviews with care providers and next of kin. In addition to the individual interviews, one focus group interview was carried out with care providers. Results: Next of kin are a heterogeneous group who need differing types of information -and different styles of communication -to convey information about their relatives in residential care. General attitudes among the next of kin towards welfare technology were positive. Three analytic themes that illustrate the next of kin concerns emerged: (1) concern for safety, autonomy and ethics; (2) resistance and optimism towards technology; (3) information about the use of monitoring technology. Conclusion: Digital monitoring technology is increasingly being implemented in residential care. Next of kin are salient in this context. Accordingly, best practices for informing and communicating in a collaborative process must be developed. While some next of kin have resources and are able to be highly engaged, others are unable or unwilling to be active participants in their family members' lives. It is critical that care providers are aware that next of kin are a heterogeneous group. Our proposed profiles may How to cite this article: Gullslett MK, Nilsen ER, Dugstad J. Next of kin's experiences with and attitudes towards digital monitoring technology for ageing people with dementia in residential care facilities. A qualitative study based on the voices of next of kin and care providers. Scand

Informal caregivers and assistive technology in Norwegian nursing homes

“…Sufficient information is crucial to obtaining information about the person with dementia, in order to stay involved in decision-making, and for advocacy for the family member. Furthermore, the informal caregivers are a heterogeneous group who need different types of information [ 19 ], which needs to be considered in the implementation of AT.…”

“…The inclusion of informal caregivers can be an essential component in order to facilitate the introduction of AT for a person with dementia [ 17 ]. Enabling informal caregivers’ involvement in AT, however, requires an organisation and care culture that is underpinned by person-centred values, where the informal caregivers are empowered to contribute according to individual wishes, and are seen as partners and not just a mean to achieve goals [ 18 , 19 ]. In many cases, the informal caregivers can provide important information about the patient’s wishes, hopes and preferences, especially in cases where the patient is unable to express these on their own, both in general [ 20 ] and more specifically concerning the use of AT.…”

“…A scoping review of informal caregivers’ perspectives on person-centred care in nursing homes revealed shortcomings in the quality of care, such as in communication with the staff and in the residents’ quality of life [ 20 ]. The literature on both informal caregivers’ and service users’ perspectives on AT is growing [ 19 , 21 – 23 ], but to date there is a lack of knowledge regarding informal caregivers’ experiences and perspectives explicitly concerning AT in nursing homes.…”

Palliative care and new technologies. The use of smart sensor technologies and its impact on the Total Care principle

“…However, this could influence the intimacy of the care relationship. On the other hand, invasive yet precise measurements associated with SST can make end-of-life care more accessible and more reliable for informal caregivers in the future [ 54 ]. It also allows care to be provided in familiar surroundings at home or with cable-free beds.…”

The Ethics of Electronic Tracking Devices in Dementia Care: An Interview Study with Developers

“…To gain a better understanding of how various stakeholders view the topic of ETDs in dementia care, several qualitative studies have been conducted, with the majority focusing on end-users of devices: PwDs, their families, professional caregivers, or other healthcare professionals (Berridge & Wetle, 2019 ; Cooper et al, 2019 ; Gullslett et al, 2021 ). Developers of ETDs have received little attention in the literature.…”