scholarly journals Carers’ experiences of assistive technology use in dementia care: a cross sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Assistive Technology (AT) supports persons with dementia and their carers (family, friends and neighbours), yet little is known about experiences and the impact of AT on carers. We report on an exploratory survey that examined the types, uses, costs and impact of AT on carers as well as their quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire collected data from carers in the UK, who used at least one AT in the previous year and provided more than 10 h of care for a person with dementia, living at home. Carers completed the questionnaire online or on paper and information on AT, socio-demographic details, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report results and draw conclusions. Results Data from 201 carers was analysed. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. AT were used predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. Carers usually make decisions on buying and continued use of AT. Multiple AT devices were used in the care of persons with dementia and number of AT used was associated with perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction with AT was not related to age, living arrangements and relationship of carers. From the SF-12, Mean Physical Component Score was 49.19 (95%CI- 47.75 to 50.63) and Mental Component Score was 45.37 (95%CI- 43.93 to 46.80). Women, carers in the 46–65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower MCS scores. Carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower PCS scores. Conclusions Carers report that AT has a beneficial impact. Carers use multiple ATs, perceive AT to be satisfactory and recommend AT use to others. To support carers, we recommend establishment of centrally funded information sources and a loan store for AT. Further research on incremental addition of AT and changes to formal/paid care because of using AT should be undertaken. Practitioners, academics, manufactures and policy makers should consider the experiences of carers in research, development and use of AT to facilitate improved community living of people with dementia.

scholarly journals Carers’ Experiences of Assistive Technology Use in Dementia Care: A Cross Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sri ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundAssistive Technology (AT) supports persons with dementia and their carers (family, friends and neighbours), yet little is known about experiences and the impact of AT on carers. We report on an exploratory survey that examined the types, uses, costs and impact of AT on carers as well as their quality of life.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire collected data from carers in the UK, who used at least one AT in the previous year and provided more than 10 hours of care for a person with dementia, living at home. Carers completed the questionnaire online or on paper and information on AT, socio-demographic details, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report results and draw conclusions. ResultsData from 201 carers was analysed. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. AT were used predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. Carers usually make decisions on buying and continued use of AT. Multiple AT devices were used in the care of persons with dementia and number of AT used was associated with perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction with AT was not related to age, living arrangements and relationship of carers. From the SF-12, Mean Physical Component Score was 49.19 (95%CI- 47.75 to 50.63) and Mental Component Score was 45.37 (95%CI- 43.93 to 46.80). Women, carers in the 46-65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower MCS scores. Carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower PCS scores. ConclusionsCarers report that AT has a beneficial impact. Carers use multiple ATs, perceive AT to be satisfactory and recommend AT use to others. To support carers, we recommend establishment of centrally funded information sources and a loan store for AT. Further research on incremental addition of AT and changes to formal/paid care because of using AT should be undertaken. Practitioners, academics, manufactures and policy makers should consider the experiences of carers in research, development and use of AT to facilitate improved community living of people with dementia.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF INTERNET-ENABLED PHONES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Asma Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Smart Phones ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Prolonged Time ◽  
Media Applications ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Smart phones usage is rapidly progressing day by day in young adults’ lives who have become habituated and less indulged in physical activities. Thus, this study is aimed to measure the impact of internet-enabled smart phones on physical activity of students. METHODOLOGY An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among students aged 18-30 years studying in tertiary institutions. Internet-Connectedness Index and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form were formulated in the Google Docs and distributed to participants via email or social media applications. RESULTS A total number of 252 students participated in study revealed that majority of users have own computer for prolonged time with broadband and 3G internet. Only (4.4%) participants have performed vigorous and (5.6%) moderate activities 7 days a week. Whereas (27.8%) participants spent their time sitting at desk, visiting friends, reading, sitting or lying down to watch TV for <2 hours (27.8%), <4 hours (21.8%) while >8 hours (23%) respectively. This showed that with the increased use of internet, young adults performed low physical activity. CONCLUSION It was concluded that majority of young adults have used internet for prolonged time on computer/laptop/cell phones whereas limited participants reported to have regular physical activity however, no significant association was found between the impacts of internet-connectedness with physical activity.

scholarly journals Caregivers of people with dementia and mental health during COVID-19: findings from a cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Messina ◽  
Martina Lattanzi ◽  
Emiliano Albanese ◽  
Maddalena Fiordelli
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is sparse evidence on the impact on vulnerable populations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to explore burden and mental wellbeing (including depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in caregivers of people with dementia during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy and southern Switzerland, two bordering regions severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with family carers of people with dementia between May and June 2020. We registered socio-demographic characteristics, and information about the relationship with the care recipient, dementia subtype, care inputs from others, and the need of care of the person with dementia. We measured caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and perceived isolation with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS3). Results Caregivers (N =571) reported moderate to severe care-related burden (mean=54.30; SD=18.33), moderate anxiety symptoms (mean=10.04; SD=6.93), mild depressive symptoms (mean=11.79; SD=6.12) and mild stress (mean=12.95; SD=5.53), and 72.3% of participants reported to feel lonely. All scores were significantly more severe in Swiss compared to Italian caregivers (all p values<0.001). Conclusions We found that caregivers’ burden, anxiety symptoms, depression and perceived loneliness were marked during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in two severely hit bordering countries. Regional differences in the impact of the epidemic on caregivers could be due to contextual, societal, and cultural circumstances. As the pandemic endures, support to caregivers of people with dementia should be proportionate and tailored to needs and adapted to contextual factors.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 2905-2909
Author(s):  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Haresh Kumar ◽  
Rakhi Kumari ◽  
Jawed Dars ◽  
Shahzaib Qureshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Aim: To understand the psychological impact of COVID – 19 on Medical Students of a private sector Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students studying at Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan. The data collection was done through online survey from July 2020 to December 2020. The study aimed to gather data from many medical students. A total number of 420 students were participated from Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry in Karachi, Pakistan. The participants were selected from all years of MBBS and BDS programs . Results: Out of 420 participants, 236 (56.2%) were male and 184 (43.8%) female, with a male:female ration of 1.28:1. Majority of participants were single as 411 (97.9%), of 224 (53.3%) students living with their family, 150 (35.7%) in hostel and 46 (11%) living with friends. In our sample 369 (87.9%) students studying in MBBS program while only 51 (12.1%) BDS, among those 80 (19%) medical students were in first year, followed by 122 (29%) second year, 65 (15.5%) third year, 54 (12.9%) fourth year and 99 (23.6%) studying in final year. IES-R scale and results shows 75 (17.9%) reported that PTSD is a clinical concern, probable diagnosis of PTSD 28 (6.7%) and majority rated as high enough to PTSD 133 (31.7%). Impact of event (revised) scale shows significant association with age and year of study with p value 0.026 and 0.002 respectively. Based on the PHQ9 scale, Gender, Living arrangements and the program enrolled in were reported significant association with depression p values 0.059, 0.008 and 0.006 respectively. Conclusion: Findings suggests high rate of anxiety, depression, and signs of PTSD in medical students due to COVID-19 which needs pressing attention and provision of professional help from mental health practitioners. Keywords: Impact, Covid-19, Medical students

The caregiver burden in lupus: findings from UNVEIL, a national online lupus survey in the United States

Lupus ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Al Sawah ◽  
R P Daly ◽  
S A Foster ◽  
A N Naegeli ◽  
K Benjamin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Lupus imposes a substantial burden on patients; however, little is known about its impact on those caring for patients with the disease. In this study, we examined the impact ‘caring for patients with lupus’ has on caregivers from their own perspective. Methods: UNVEIL was a one-time online national cross-sectional survey developed in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America and fielded targeting the US Lupus Foundation of America constituents in 2014. Eligible caregivers were adults who self-identified as unpaid caregivers of patients with lupus. Eligible caregivers had to complete a series of sociodemographic questions as well as a series of well established outcome measures, such as the Short Form 12v2 Health Survey, the Work Productivity and Activity Index, the Caregiver Burden Inventory, and the Perceived Benefits of Caregiving Scale. Results: A total of 253 caregivers completed the survey. The majority of caregivers (90.1%) were aged 60 years or younger, more than half (54.2%) were men, and more than half (59.7%) identified themselves as either a spouse or a partner to the patient with lupus they were caring for. Overall health-related quality of life was close to the norm mean of the general US population. Caregivers who were employed missed an average of 12.8% of paid work time due to caregiving responsibilities and reported a 33.5% reduction in on-the-job effectiveness. Nearly half of the caregivers surveyed (49.4%) indicated that their caregiving responsibilities impacted their ability to socialize with friends, and almost all caregivers (97.6%) reported experiencing increased anxiety and stress in relation to their caregiving role. Conclusions: Caregiving for patients with lupus has a substantial impact on the work productivity and the social and emotional functioning of caregivers. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should continually assess the impact of healthcare decisions on the well-being of those caring for patients with lupus.

scholarly journals Carers using assistive technology in dementia care: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Component Scores

AbstractINTRODUCTIONInformal carers support persons with dementia to live at home, even with deteriorating physical and cognitive issues. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study is to examine the experiences and impact of Assistive Technology (AT) on carers, providing care for a person with dementia.METHODSThe quantitative phase was a survey carried out with carers of persons with dementia in the UK, who used AT. The qualitative phase involved in-depth telephone interviews with a purposive sample of survey respondents. Data was analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology to develop, compare and explain the findings of the survey.RESULTSThe survey included data from 201 carers. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. Multiple AT were used in the care of persons with dementia predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. The Short Form-12 questions in the survey showed that carers in the 46-65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower mental component scores and carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower physical component scores. Twenty-three carers participated in the interviews, and 5 themes with 14 sub-themes were identified. The interviews helped confirm data from the survey on the impact of AT on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the carers. It helped describe reasons for satisfaction with AT; how AT was used in daily life and strengthened caring relationships; and how wider support systems enhanced the care of a person with dementia using AT.CONCLUSIONSThis study describes the use of AT in the real-world context. AT supplements the care provided to a person with dementia in the community. Appropriate use, access to AT and abilities of the carer can enhance the support provided through AT to both carers and the person with dementia.

Impact of Educational Levels and Health Literacy on Community Acetaminophen Knowledge

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 499-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Ip ◽  
Terrill T-L. Tang ◽  
Vincent Cheng ◽  
Junhua Yu ◽  
Derren S. Cheongsiatmoy
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
The Impact

Patient understanding of acetaminophen is important for its safe and appropriate self-use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine the impact of educational level, patient health literacy score, and other demographic characteristics on acetaminophen knowledge. A 17-item, in-person, paper-and-pen questionnaire containing questions about demographics and acetaminophen knowledge was administered to 311 adults outside 5 local grocery stores in varying socioeconomic communities. Knowledge assessed was whether Tylenol–McNeil contains acetaminophen, maximum daily dose, and primary organ affected by toxicity. Participant health literacy was evaluated using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Short Form (REALM-SF) test. Of the 300 who successfully completed the study, only 3.8% of all subjects were able to answer all 3 acetaminophen knowledge questions correctly regardless of educational level or health literacy score. This reaffirms that a lack of appropriate acetaminophen knowledge remains present in the general population, and further efforts to educate patients will be needed to prevent adverse events.

The Validity of the Quick-FAAM in Patients Seeking Treatment for an Acute or Subacute Foot or Ankle Condition

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna M. Hoch ◽  
Jamie L. Legner ◽  
Christina Lorete ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Foot Health ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Patient Reported

Context: Documented barriers to implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments (PROs) in practice include administration and scoring time. The Quick Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (Quick-FAAM) was developed to decrease these barriers; however, the clinometric properties in an acute population are unknown. Purpose: To determine the internal consistency, validity, and the floor and ceiling effects of the Quick-FAAM in patients seeking treatment for an acute or subacute ankle or foot health condition. Study Design: Cross-Sectional. Setting: Healthcare facilities.Patients: 50 patients (20.3 ± 2.2 y, 177.9 ± 10.7 cm, 80 ± 19.4 kg) seeking treatment for an acute or subacute ankle or foot condition. Main Outcome Measures: Each patient completed a demographic and health-history questionnaire followed by 5 PROs: the Quick-FAAM, the FAAM-Activities of Daily Living (ADL), FAAM-Sport, the modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (mDPA), the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and the PROMISv1.2 Physical Function (PROMIS-PF). Cronbach alpha was used to determine internal consistency and Spearman’s rank correlations were performed to examine the relationship between the Quick-FAAM and all other outcomes. Results: The Quick-FAAM was very strongly correlated with the FAAM-Total (r = .91, r2 = .83, P < .001), FAAM-ADL (r = .83, r2 = .69, P < .001), FAAM-Sport (r = .89, r2 = .79, P < .001), SF12-Physical Component Score (PCS, r = .74, r2 = .55, P < .001), mDPA-PCS (r = -.83, r2 = .69, P < .001) and PROMIS PF (r = .85, r2 = .72, P < .001). There was a weak or no relationship with the SF12-Mental Component Score (MCS, r = .04, r2 = .00, P < .001) and the mDPA-MCS (r = -.35, r2 = .12, P < .001). A total of 8% (n = 4) of the patients scored a 0, and 2% (n = 1) patients scored a 48. Conclusion: The Quick-FAAM demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity along with good internal consistency. There was no evidence of a floor or ceiling effect. Therefore, the Quick-FAAM should be considered for use in practice when determining treatment effectiveness for patients with acute or subacute ankle or foot health conditions. Future research should determine the test-retest reliability and the minimal detectable change of this instrument.

scholarly journals Physiotherapists’ use and perceptions of digital remote physiotherapy during COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland: an online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Kathrin Rausch ◽  
Heiner Baur ◽  
Leah Reicherzer ◽  
Markus Wirz ◽  
Fabienne Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physiotherapy Practice ◽  
Remote Therapy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Swiss containment strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic during the first wave in spring 2020 resulted in a moratorium on non-urgent physiotherapy via regular direct patient contact. Consequently, such physiotherapy sessions declined by 84%. This study investigates the impact of this moratorium on the use of digital remote physiotherapy in Switzerland during this period and the perceptions of its use by Swiss physiotherapists (PTs). Methods A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed between June and August of 2020 via the Swiss Physiotherapy Association (physioswiss) and various associations of physiotherapy specialists (e.g., sport, pediatric) working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The questionnaire was designed to capture the demographics of participants and the perceptions of PTs using 33 questions in the following domains: Demography; Attitudes towards digital technology; Private and professional use of digital technology; Use of digital technology during therapy; and, Support requirements. Closed and open-ended questions were included and the frequency of answers was analyzed. Non-parametric inferential statistics were used to identify differences, where appropriate. The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) was adopted. Results Participants in the survey were 742 PTs (23.5% male, mean age of 43 years, mean working experience of 18 years) from the German-speaking (75.5%), French-speaking (15.1%), and Italian-speaking (9.4%) regions of Switzerland. The percentage of PTs using digital remote therapy increased from 4.9% prior to the lockdown to 44.6% during the lockdown period. The majority of PTs did not consider that digital remote therapy could complement usual physiotherapy practice and did not plan to continue with digital remote therapy after the pandemic. Conclusions During the lockdown, Swiss PTs adopted various low-cost and easily accessible digital technologies. However, several barriers hampered further implementation of this modality. Specific education and training programs need to be provided among PTs, appropriate digital technologies should be introduced, and a correct reimbursement scheme should be developed. Trial registration COVIDPhysio Registry of World Physiotherapy, registered 15th June 2020 (https://world.physio/covid-19-information-hub/covid-19-covidphysio-registry).

scholarly journals A preliminary study on assessment of wellbeing among veterinary medical house officers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253111
Author(s):  
Munashe Chigerwe ◽  
Linda Barter ◽  
Julie E. Dechant ◽  
Jonathan D. Dear ◽  
Karen A. Boudreaux
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is an important topic among practicing veterinarians. Peer reviewed studies focusing on veterinary house officers’ wellbeing are lacking in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess wellbeing of house officers using validated surveys for anxiety, burnout, depression, and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey of 103 house officers (residents, interns, and fellows) was performed. Respondents were invited to voluntarily complete the online surveys. Anxiety, burnout, depression, and quality of life were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Short Form-8 (SF-8), respectively. Descriptive statistics were calculated. For qualitative analysis, respondents were requested to rate their perception of the level of stress regarding various work-related stressors. The first survey was completed in 2017 with 60 respondents of which 51 (85%) identified as females and nine (15%) identified as males. The second survey was completed in 2018 with 43 respondents of which 35 (81.4%) identified as females and 8 (18.6%) identified as males. Respondents reported high levels of burnout characterized by high levels of emotional exhaustion and lack of personal accomplishment but reported mild levels of anxiety and depression. The mental component of their quality of life score was lower than the general US population, whereas the physical component score was consistent with the general US population. Respondents indicated moderate scores of stress for concerns regarding patient management, research, teaching, work-life balance, relationships, organizational skills, time management, finances, and the mental and emotional impact of the work environment. The high levels of burnout, and low mental quality of life in house officers require specific intervention programs to improve wellbeing.

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