Chapter 4. The Importation of High Technology Services into the Home

Patients' perspectives on high-tech home care: a qualitative inquiry into the user-friendliness of four technologies

“…For example, low levels of physician involvement [4] and significant increases in private spending [5] have been observed. Furthermore, the impact of the increasing use of technology in home care has not been examined [6]. A recent survey showed that 98% of Quebec (Canada) primary care organizations are using programmable pumps to deliver intravenous antibiotics therapy at home, and 84% are providing home oxygen therapy [7].…”

“…A recent survey showed that 98% of Quebec (Canada) primary care organizations are using programmable pumps to deliver intravenous antibiotics therapy at home, and 84% are providing home oxygen therapy [7]. The growth of technology in home care means that lay people with varying levels of technical skills and education become direct users of health technology [6]. Therefore, the objective of our study was to document, from the patient's perspective, how the level of user-friendliness of medical technology influences its integration into the private and social lives of patients.…”

“…Although clinicians are often concerned about patient compliance, the technical and human dimensions at the root of this problem remain understudied [10,12]. Observers of high-tech home care have stressed that certain health technologies are, by their very design, unfriendly [6]. Nevertheless, very little is known about the characteristics that facilitate or impede the use of medical devices and whether patients perceive them as user-friendly or not.…”

“…Here also, the setting where services are provided is likely to influence patients' perceptions and coping strategies. Although the hospital enables the patient to adopt the sick role rather straightforwardly, the home setting may force him/her to be more active and show optimism [5,6]. Family members and caregivers are also affected by the use of high-tech home care.…”

Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Pharmacists, Nurses and Doctors about Home-Care Medical Devices in Sharjah and Ajman, UAE

“…Records show that chronic disease management consumes up to 85% of total healthcare spending, displaying a larger portion of the healthcare spending and the necessity of these devices for the improvement of quality in life amongst patients [5]. Furthermore, the growth of technology in home care means that lay people with varying levels of technical skills and education become direct users of health technology [6]. Hence, the only people gauging patient feedback in regards to these devices, are healthcare professionals.…”