Older People Using e-Health Services—Exploring Frequency of Use and Associations with Perceived Benefits for Spouse Caregivers

Abstract

ICT, information-and communication technologies, and e-health services are essential for meeting future care demands. Greater knowledge regarding the implementation of e-health services in long-term care for older people is needed. The purpose of the study was to explore older people's use of e-health services and associations between frequency of use and perceived benefits. In the longitudinal comparative intervention study (n = 65), intervention group participants (n = 42) used an e-health service for 1.5 years. A control group (n = 23) used similar services provided in a traditional manner. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Although general use of the Internet was similar in both groups, the e-health group perceived significantly higher benefits. The component information-and education programs, developed specifically for the e-health service, had the highest association with benefits. Conclusion: e-health services targeted at supporting older people who care for a spouse at home can provide benefits which most likely will not be obtained without participation in an organized e-service. Care professionals play an essential role in encouraging spouse caregivers to become e-service users.

An evaluation of registered nurses’ experiences of person-centered care and competence after participating in a course in digital competence in care

“…Studies have indicated that digital technology in care changes the role of RNs, which can both reduce and create stress for RNs [26,27]. At the same time, RNs play a significant role in supporting patients' use of digital technology, an activity in which a lack of support pushes patients away [28][29][30]. Taken together, the evidence suggests that RNs are increasingly embracing a professional role that involves using digital technology and necessitates conditions that broaden their area of knowledge.…”

Designing Interactive Systems to Mediate Communication Between Formal and Informal Caregivers in Aged Care

“…Findings also suggest that ICT medicated support can provide efficient care and save travel costs for caregivers of long-term care patients. Similar interventions with carers of older adults have also shown benefits, for example, in spousal carers [36], [37] -the carers in this scenario being older adults themselves.…”