Videophone communication between residents and family: a case study.
OBJECTIVE
This case study examines the uses, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and expectations of videophone communication by a nursing home resident and a geographically distant family member.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with these participants, one in person and one by phone.


RESULTS
Themes identified suggest that, with the added visual component, there are additional uses and psychosocial benefits of videophone communication when compared to the telephone for both nursing home residents and family members.


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that the use of the technology is not only feasible in an institutional setting but also beneficial. Further research with larger groups is supported.
Hensel
Brian K
BK
Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. henselbk@health.missouri.edu
Parker-Oliver
Debra
D
Demiris
George
G
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D009735:Nursing Homes; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012919:Social Behavior; D012934:Social Isolation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone / Q000592:standards; D049269:Videoconferencing / Q000458:organization & administration*