Burnout and intention to leave among care workers in residential care homes in Hong Kong: Technology acceptance as a moderator

Abstract

Care workers in residential care settings for older adults often experience job burnout, resulting in a high turnover rate. Previous studies offered contradictory findings on technology use in the workplace and its relationship with burnout. This study aimed to explore the moderator role technology acceptance plays in the relationship between burnout and intention to leave among care workers in residential care settings in Hong Kong. The study was based on a multicenter, cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The acceptance of general, and three specific, technologies (i.e., tablets, social robots and video gaming) was measured based on the scale of the Technology Acceptance Model. Two dimensions of burnout (exhaustion and disengagement) were measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory scale. Intention to leave was measured using a self-reported item. Data collection took place from July to December 2018. We analysed data from 370 care workers from seven non-private residential care homes for older people in Hong Kong. A hierarchical multiple regression approach was used for moderator analysis. The results revealed that two measures of burnout (exhaustion and disengagement) were significantly and positively associated with intention to leave. The four measures of technology acceptance were negatively associated with intention to leave. The interaction of video-gaming acceptance and exhaustion was predictive of intention to leave (standardized beta = −0.20, p = .011). Acceptance of video gaming changed the strength of the relationship between exhaustion and intention to leave among participants. No significant moderating effects were observed in the relationship between disengagement and intention to leave. We highlight the importance of integrating technology variables, especially subjective appraisal of technology, in the issues of burnout and intention to leave. These findings shed new light on policies and practices that consider implement technology in routine care in residential care settings without unanticipated negative impacts for care staff.

Reducing the Burdens of Paid Caregivers of Older Adults by Using Assistive Technology: A Scoping Review

“…Fifteen articles were retained for analysis (Table 2). [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Studies reported in the articles were conducted in several countries and employed a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Technologies examined in the articles were of 3 general types: physical or mobility aids, sensor and monitoring systems, and socialization enhancement technologies.…”

“…The articles reported the results of studies in 9 countries. The United States of America, 32 , 33 Australia, 42 , 45 Canada, 35 , 36 France, 38 , 39 Hong Kong, 43 , 46 and the United Kingdom 37 , 40 were sites reported in 2 articles each. Japan, 44 the Netherlands, 41 and Thailand 34 were sites reported in 1 article each.…”

“… 45 Articles reported that social robots could reduce caregiver stress, 42 , 46 make tasks easier, 44 reduce workload, save time, and increase productivity for paid caregivers. 45 However, Kolstad et al 44 reported that the use of robots also required additional time and effort from paid caregivers, and Chen et al 43 suggested that increased workload associated with the adoption of new robots may be a reason for the lack of positive effects reported by caregivers.…”

“…The literature was methodologically diverse. Eight articles (54%) described quantitative approaches, [32][33][34]38,39,41,43,46 5 (33%) described qualitative study designs, 36,37,40,42,44 and 2 (13%) described mixed-method strategies. 35,45 Most quantitative studies employed surveys or questionnaires to assess emotional or physical caregiver burdens.…”

“…38,39 Five articles assessed the use of social or companion robots to enhance social interactions or provide behavioral interventions. [42][43][44][45][46] Paro is a seal-like robotic pet and was the most mentioned robot model, assessed in 3 articles. 42,44,46 Other types of robots included a humanoid social communication robot called Kabochan that was designed to promote cognitive function 46 and a social robot called Matilda, which had communicative and singing capabilities.…”