Understanding the information behaviours of carers of people with dementia: A critical review of models from information science

Abstract

AimThe aim of this review is to discuss how existing models of information behaviour from information may help to improve provision of information to carers of people with dementia. The paper analyses existing models of information behaviour derived from information science, describes studies that have examined these models in relation to health, and discusses ways in which they help to understand the information behaviours of carers of people with dementia. MethodsA comprehensive review of the literature on studies of information needs and a critical examination of models of information behaviors in relation to health were undertaken. ResultsTwo dominant paradigms in information science research were identified, involving system-centred and user-centred approaches. System-centred approaches and studies are limited in that they have made assumptions on the types of information that people may require, the way in which information should be provided, the timing of information provision and have treated groups as homogenous, failing to take account of individual preferences. In contrast, user-centred approaches recognise the unique needs of individuals and that information needs are subjective and affected by a variety of factors. User-centred models of information behaviour, particularly Dervin's sense-making theory and 3 Wilson's Information Seeking Behaviour Models, could be useful in developing a better understanding of the information behaviours of carers of people with dementia. ConclusionAdopting a user-centred approach to studying the information behaviours of carers of people with dementia will take account of individual needs. Testing existing models of information behaviour within this group may help to develop interventions to meet the needs of individual carers and people with dementia.

How People with Dementia and their Carers Adapt their Homes. A Qualitative Study

“…The only participant who had heard of home adaptation in dementia may not have been able to recall the details of the advice, as she had received the information passively from a support group speaker. This supports evidence which suggests that information should be personalised (Harland & Bath, 2008;Johnson & Case, Donald, 2012;Washington, Meadows, Elliott, & Koopman, 2011) which indicates that responses to information are affected by the context and prior experiences of the individual The findings presented here shows that it is the lack of knowledge of how the physical environment can specifically support Persons with dementia that represents the most significant barrier to making home adaptations. This demonstrates that home adaptation advice offered by the currently available sources is not being effectively received by Persons with dementia and their carers.…”

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“…This group also seeks self-care information from others and answers to questions that would assist them in decision-making. This finding is further demonstrated in the studies of Bath (2008), Akesson, Saveman, and Nilsson (2007), Harland and Bath (2008), and Lau and Kwok (2009).…”

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