[Evaluation of new technologies by residents and staff in an institutional setting. Findings of the BETAGT project].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the substudy that was conducted as part of the project "Bewertung neuer Technologien durch Bewohner und Personal im Altenzentrum Grafenau der Paul Wilhelm von Keppler-Stiftung und Prüfung des Transfers ins häusliche Wohnen" (BETAGT) was to have residents and staff members in nursing homes with limited technological equipment complete a questionnaire about their life-long technological experiences and their general technological attitude. Furthermore, specific technological devices and systems were evaluated in terms of their potential with respect to safety, privacy, or help in decreasing burden. Data were collected using a newly developed brief questionnaire.


METHODS
A total of 84 residents and 109 staff members sampled from 11 different institutions were asked about their life-long technology experiences, general attitudes towards technology as well as attitudes towards specific technological devices. Residents' opinions were assessed via brief structured interviews; a structured questionnaire was given to the staff members to complete. The technological devices to be evaluated were introduced via pictured descriptions.


RESULTS
Residents and staff members showed a positive attitude towards technology. With regard to the potential of new technologies, residents and staff members expect different effects on several dimensions of quality of life. Both groups rated the potential of the dimension of safety to be highest.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to widely held opinion, older adults living in institutions do not, in general, seem to be too critical about new technology. From the staff members' point of view, modern technology can be integrated into daily care routines of a nursing home, but the potentials of new technologies are considered in a very differential manner.
Classen
K
K
Psychologisches Institut, Abteilung für Psychologische Alternsforschung, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115 Heidelberg. katrin.classen@psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de
Oswald
F
F
Wahl
H-W
HW
Heusel
C
C
Antfang
P
P
Becker
C
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017751:Safety Management; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018581:Technology Transfer
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