Staff members' perceptions of a ICT support package in dementia care during the process of implementation

• AIM The aim of the present study was to describe staff members' perceptions of an information and communication technology (ICT) support package during the process of implementation. BACKGROUND ICT in dementia care will likely increase in the future. The diffusion of new innovations can be better understood through diffusion research. METHODS Fourteen staff members in dementia care were interviewed, in groups, once before the new ICT, twice during its implementation and once after. Data were analysed using qualitative content analyses. The ICT included monitors/alarms: passage alarms, fall detectors, sensor-activated night-time illumination of the lavatory, and communication technology: Internet communication and additional computers. RESULTS The results showed two themes 'Moving from fear of losing control to perceived increase in control and security' and 'Struggling with insufficient/deficient systems'. CONCLUSIONS Staff perceptions of ICT were diverse and changed during the implementation. Benefits were more pronounced than disadvantages, and improvements were described both in care and in staff job situation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Functioning and use of ICT may relate to design as well as by application and the surrounding structure, and the whole system: the organizational structure, the employers and the new product needs to be taken into consideration when implementing new technology.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Dementia

dementia care

diffusion of innovations

diffusion research

information and communication technology

nursing

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Information technology

Informationsteknik

Nursing

Health-Promoting Work

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)