Tailoring to support digital technology-mediated occupational engagement for older adults – a multiple case study

Abstract

Background: With the evolution of contemporary occupations mediated by digital technologies (DTs), there is a need for occupational therapists to develop and structure knowledge on how to support older adults' engagement in occupations and social participation in a digitalised society. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore how tailoring to support older adults' engagement in DT-mediated occupations could be schematised. Material and methods: The study employed a multiple case study methodology. There were nine cases, with each case involving an older adult undergoing a collaborative process to support engagement in DT-mediated occupations. The collaborative process was initiated through questionnaires, observations, and dialogues. Meetings and tailoring strategies were documented in fieldnotes and memos on tailoring, respectively. Semi-structured interviews concluded data collection. Cross-case synthesis was used in data analysis. Results: The result is a proposed scheme for tailoring to support older adults' engagement in digital technology-mediated occupations, wherein strategies undertaken in the collaborative processes were synthesised and described. Conclusion and significance: The proposed scheme for tailoring could contribute to occupational therapists' knowledge on how to support older adults' engagement in contemporary occupations. Testing the model in various practice settings is recommended in order to enhance occupational therapy practice.

Measurement of older adults’ performance in digital technology-mediated occupations and management of digital technology

“…As observations were based on doing occupations or using technology that participants considered relevant to themselves, it is important to highlight the role of relevance. The relevance of the occupation or technology to the older adult has been considered essential in order to support his or her digital engagement (Fischl et al., 2020a; Ryd et al., 2018). Relevance pertains to the alignment of the person’s needs, goals, values, and beliefs with the perceived utility of the occupation or technology (Amini et al., 2014).…”

“…There are studies that have implemented individualized interventions intended to enhance performance in digital technology-mediated occupations based on older adults’ preferences and occupation-focused goals (Fischl et al., 2020a; Larsson et al., 2016). Additionally, occupational therapists have introduced digital devices and provided training to older adults in order to improve their digital engagement (Kaldenberg and Smallfield, 2017; Swan et al., 2018).…”

Achieving Digital Competence for Adults With Low Vision

“…12 as they relate to occupational performance. 4 Furthermore, deep in our professional philosophy is the recognition of the importance of engagement and participation in meaningful occupations for the health and well-being of individuals. 5,6 It has been demonstrated that the use of digital technologies provides opportunities and options for occupational engagement.…”

“…5,6 It has been demonstrated that the use of digital technologies provides opportunities and options for occupational engagement. [2][3][4] Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), as experts in occupations, must understand these options and actively assume roles in offering these alternatives as part of practice to individuals at risk for occupational deprivation and the loss of valued roles. 5 The unique occupational therapy knowledge base and skill set provide insights into elements of the task, individuals and their unique characteristics, and the contextual environment on occupational performance.…”

“…Fischl et al 4 identified that OTPs struggled with competence in addressing digital literacy for several reasons. These include a lack of familiarity with technologies, not knowing how to make adaptations for digital literacy success, and the current existence of few evidence-based guidelines to guide clinical practice.…”