Katja von Storch1, Anna Schlomann2, Christian Rietz3,4, M Cristina Polidori5, Christiane Woopen6,4. 1. NRW Fortschrittskolleg GROW, Wohlbefinden bis ins hohe Alter, Universität zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923, Köln, Deutschland. k.storch@uni-koeln.de. 2. NRW Fortschrittskolleg GROW, Wohlbefinden bis ins hohe Alter, Universität zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923, Köln, Deutschland. 3. Department für Heilpädagogik, Arbeitsbereich Forschungsmethoden, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland. 4. ceres - Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics and Social Sciences of Health, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland. 5. Klinische Altersforschung, Klinik II für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland. 6. Forschungsstelle Ethik, Universitätsklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of wearable devices (WD) is discussed as an option to support elderly chronically ill people. These technologies lack essential research regarding the improvement of self-management. This study aimes to identify perspectives, expectations and their underlying background of patients and physicians with respect to the usage of WDs to enhance self-management. METHODS: In this study a total of 14 patients and physicians were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire design. The data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The participants have in general a positive attitude towards the use of WDs with respect to memory function, self-control, sense of security, documentation of vital parameters and communication about the disease, as well as suitability for everyday use; however, in many cases participants are concerned about the usage of WDs for a variety of reasons. They perceive the device as unnecessary or they lack technological self-confidence and felt controlled as well as data protection concerns. Participant responses show prerequisites which should be met for the usage of a WD requiring an individual needs assessment. CONCLUSION: The results show a potential of WDs to improve self-management. The usage of WD could have a positive effect on the course of the disease; however, personality and environmental factors should be taken into account to individually adjust and support the usage of WDs. Furthermore, the application of WDs should be integrated into a structured training program accompanied by healthcare professionals. For this purpose, funding and time-oriented framework conditions should be established.
BACKGROUND: The use of wearable devices (WD) is discussed as an option to support elderly chronically ill people. These technologies lack essential research regarding the improvement of self-management. This study aimes to identify perspectives, expectations and their underlying background of patients and physicians with respect to the usage of WDs to enhance self-management. METHODS: In this study a total of 14 patients and physicians were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire design. The data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The participants have in general a positive attitude towards the use of WDs with respect to memory function, self-control, sense of security, documentation of vital parameters and communication about the disease, as well as suitability for everyday use; however, in many cases participants are concerned about the usage of WDs for a variety of reasons. They perceive the device as unnecessary or they lack technological self-confidence and felt controlled as well as data protection concerns. Participant responses show prerequisites which should be met for the usage of a WD requiring an individual needs assessment. CONCLUSION: The results show a potential of WDs to improve self-management. The usage of WD could have a positive effect on the course of the disease; however, personality and environmental factors should be taken into account to individually adjust and support the usage of WDs. Furthermore, the application of WDs should be integrated into a structured training program accompanied by healthcare professionals. For this purpose, funding and time-oriented framework conditions should be established.
Authors: Hyun Gu Kang; Diane F Mahoney; Helen Hoenig; Victor A Hirth; Paolo Bonato; Ihab Hajjar; Lewis A Lipsitz Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2010-07-14 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Jill J Francis; Marie Johnston; Clare Robertson; Liz Glidewell; Vikki Entwistle; Martin P Eccles; Jeremy M Grimshaw Journal: Psychol Health Date: 2010-12
Authors: Neil K Aaronson; Vittorio Mattioli; Ollie Minton; Joachim Weis; Christoffer Johansen; Susanne O Dalton; Irma M Verdonck-de Leeuw; Kevin D Stein; Catherine M Alfano; Anja Mehnert; Angela de Boer; Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse Journal: EJC Suppl Date: 2014-05-29