title: Developing CIRCA-BC and exploring the role of the computer as a third participant in conversation.
abstract: The Computer Interactive Reminiscence Conversation Aid (CIRCA) is a software program using touch screen technology and digital materials from public archives to support conversation between people with dementia and their carers. In this 2-phase study, we first worked with seniors' focus groups to identify and select relevant content for a regional adaptation of CIRCA (British Columbia version of CIRCA [CIRCA-BC]). We then pilot tested CIRCA-BC with 3 participants having dementia and a conversation partner, analyzing their interactions to explore how they drew on program content and format to shape their conversations together. Findings provide insight into, first, how participants' shared and distinct social histories influence reminiscence-based conversations and, second, how the computer can be viewed as a third "participant" in the interaction. These findings offer guidelines for ongoing adaptation and application of the CIRCA program in addition to contributing further evidence regarding the role of technology in facilitating meaningful interaction between people with dementia and their carers.
authors.affiliation: School of Audiology & Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada purves@audiospeech.ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Purves
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Phinney
authors.affiliation: Social Work and Human Service, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hulko
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Studies, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Puurveen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Arlene J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Astell
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001955:British Columbia; D003704:Dementia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D063545:Personal Narratives as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: conversation; dementia; place-based reminiscence; technology