ABSTRACT
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is serious, in order to maintain the quality of life and safety, it is very important to remind people of the outbreak. Because when the SARS pandemic occurred in the past, it was found that the pandemic situation had a certain relationship with the weather. Therefore, we tried to analyze the relationship between the pandemic situation and the weather by analyzing big data information, and we also tried to conclude the possible pandemic situation and climate-related prediction rules through big data. We hope to use the most popular instant messaging software - LINE in Taiwan to assist in the auxiliary reminders of the pandemic. When people use the weather pandemic robot, they can also find the correlation between the weather and the pandemic, and it also helps to remind the public to pay more attention to their own health. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Recent advancement of virtual reality (VR) technology has led to growing interest in using VR in aged-care settings. VR can help ameliorate experiences of loneliness and social isolation, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, increasingly more studies are being published on this topic, and a comprehensive review of studies examining the facilitators and barriers of adopting VR in these settings is needed. This scoping review reports the facilitators and barriers to implementing VR in care settings among older adults, as well as the impact on social engagement and/or loneliness. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology, and searched the following databases: CINHAL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria includes articles published in the last five years that focus on older adults using VR in aged-care settings. 199 articles were retrieved and 21 articles were included in our review. Most of the articles (38%) originated from Australia. Key facilitators for using VR in aged care settings are the technology being user-friendly, comfortable, and easy to clean. Barriers included: technology issues (e.g., internet connectivity), staff attitude/ worries, and impact on residents, and structural considerations (e.g., lack of staff and time to assist with the VR program). VR technology can decrease loneliness and feelings of isolation, and provide opportunities to engage with others. Our review of the current evidence offers insights and recommendations for health care professionals to use VR technology in aged care settings, maximizing benefits and minimizing risks among users.
ABSTRACT
In this project, virtual family visits were made to residents of four Canadian long-term care homes using a telepresence robot. Guided by the Consolidated Framework of implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted an online survey, interviews, focus groups, and observations to explore the participants' experience. Analysis identified three themes: (a) relative advantage (easy to visit), (b) capacity for change (readiness and organizational support), and (c) cultural safety (champions leading the way during challenging times). Preliminary results indicate that staff, residents, and families accepted the robot for easy connection but had concerns about privacy issues. Future research should apply inclusive methods to bring relevant stakeholders together to explore user experiences fully: who is affected in what ways and the benefits, risks, and burdens of emerging technologies.
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the feasibility of a remotely supervised online chair yoga (CY) intervention for older adults with dementia, exploring preliminary effects of CY on chronic pain, mobility, risk of falling, sleep disturbance, autonomic reactivity, cardiac rhythms (using IOM2 biofeedback device), and loneliness in this population. Using a one-group pretest/posttest design, a home-based CY intervention was delivered remotely to a group of 10 older adults with dementia who were socially isolated due to COVID-19. The online intervention was conducted twice weekly in 60-minute sessions for 8 weeks;data were collected virtually at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Results indicated that online CY is a feasible approach for managing physical and psychological symptoms in older adults with dementia, based on retention (70%) and adherence (87.5%) with no injuries or other adverse events during the intervention. Senior-friendly videoconferencing should be available so that more older adults can gain access to the online intervention
ABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults with cognitive impairment experienced social isolation, stress, and challenges to stay healthy at home or in a long-term care facility. Technology-based interventions and assessment can be valuable in managing dementia at home before a crisis situation occurs, which can lessen caregiver burden and stress and improve quality of life for older adults with cognitive impairment. In the symposium, specific technology-based interventions (telepresence robot, online chair yoga, exergames, virtual cycling, video-conferencing platforms) and assessment (IOM2 biofeedback device) were used for older adults with cognitive impairment. We cultivated a novel interdisciplinary approach to emerging clinical entities of technology-based intervention and assessment for older adults with cognitive impairment. In the symposium, we will present a variety of technology-based clinical interventions. Our first study explored the experiences of virtual family visits in four Canadian long-term care homes, using a telepresence robot. Online survey, interviews, focus groups, and observations were conducted to explore the experience. The second study assessed feasibility of a remotely supervised online chair yoga (CY) intervention for older adults with dementia in Florida and explored the preliminary effects of CY on psychosocial outcomes in this population. The third study evaluated the ease of use and quality of cardiac data using IOM2 biofeedback device for older adults with dementia. Cardiac rhythms were analyzed from pulse data measured using the IOM2 biofeedback device (UNYTE). The fourth study was a scoping review to analyze evidence about online group-based exercise programs.
ABSTRACT
Background: The effects of isolation and loneliness have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While assistive technology offers potential benefits for long-term care residents, there is limited evidence on technology adoption in complex care environments in LTC. The voices of older persons, family members and staff perspectives are not adequately included in implementation science literature. The poster report the adoption of Tochie, a smart audio device that allows family members to remotely record and schedule messages, such as daily reminders or comforting audio recordings, to send to their loved ones in LTC care homes during the time of COVID lockdown. Method(s): We applied qualitative descriptive design with interview and focus group methods. A total of 25 people in LTC participated in the study, including residents, family members, and care staff from two long-term care homes in British Columbia, Canada. Each resident was given a device to use with their family member for a four-week intervention period. The research team checked in with family members and staff weekly via telephone and email to provide support and gather feedback. Pre- and post-intervention focus groups and interviews were held via Zoom and phone correspondence to learn about participants' experiences using Tochie. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. Result(s): Four common themes were identified to describe the experience of using Tochie in LTC: (a) fostering emotional connection (b) connecting in creative and personalized ways (c) considering contextual considerations in LTC (d) lessons learned for future developments. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us an opportunity to redefine and reconstruct what it means to "keep in touch" with loved ones in care settings. In our study, residents, families and staff highlighted the ways in which Tochie has enabled and expanded possibilities for family connection. Our findings offer pragmatic insights into challenges and possibilities for future product development and implementation. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long-term care (LTC) residents are more likely to experience loneliness, social isolation and have dementia (Garner et al., 2018;Hou & Ngo, 2021). The effects of isolation have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While assistive technology has been a popular topic in gerontological health research, there have been limited findings on the experience of technology adoption in complex care environments such as LTC, and on family member and staff perspectives. "Tochie" is a smart audio device that allows family and significant others to remotely record and schedule messages, such as daily reminders or comforting audio recordings, to send to their loved ones in care settings. Our research explores the experiences of residents, families, and staff using the Tochie device in LTC.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19's physical distancing mandates have increased the likelihood of experiencing social isolation and loneliness for residents in long-term care (LTC), especially those living with dementia. Social isolation correlates with health risks, including depression and cognitive decline. Telepresence robots can be remotely driven and facilitate social interactions through videoconferencing. Researchers have begun to explore opportunities of using these robots in the healthcare field;however, there is a research gap on examining factors influencing their implementation in LTC from the perspectives of key stakeholders. This qualitative descriptive study focuses on exploring LTC staff and leadership teams' perspectives on facilitators and barriers to implementing telepresence robots. Method(s): We employed purposive and snowballing methods to recruit 22 participants from two LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada: operational and unit leaders, and interdisciplinary staff including nursing staff, care aides and allied health practitioners. Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided our data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by virtual meetings. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes. Result(s): Analysis of the data produced three themes: (a) perceived needs and values for family-resident connections, (b) engagement through conversation and partnership, and (c) confidence with training and timely support. Based on the findings and CFIR guidance, we offer a preliminary conceptual tool "START": Share benefits and successes;Tailor policies and plans with staff partners;Acknowledge and address staff concerns;Repeated training and demonstrations;and Timely technical support. Conclusion(s): This study offers pragmatic insights into staff and leadership teams' perceptions of facilitators and barriers of implementing telepresence robots in LTC. The complexity of technology implementation will require executive and leadership teams to consider additional factors beyond the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults living with dementia in Long-Term Care (LTC). Social isolation and loss of connections with families among residents have been detrimental and severely impacted quality of life.
ABSTRACT
The online flipped classroom has been a growing trend in education, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and now, in the new normal, online learning has become the dominant alternative to traditional learning. In this model of learning, students can prepare new materials through reading or watching lesson videos at home, and then, in the physical or virtual classroom, they have time for active discussions. Although the flipped classroom model has been popular for several decades, the implementation of the flipped classroom in online-based teaching and learning in the context of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) has not been widely researched. In this study, an online questionnaire with both closed-ended and open-ended questions was administered to 120 EFL students at a public university in Vietnam, with the aim of understanding EFL students' perceptions of online flipped learning. The results reveal that students have a relatively positive perception of online flipped learning, although a number of typical challenges can have a negative influence on the effectiveness of this type of instruction. Many suggestions for improving the online flipped classroom were also presented. © Author.
ABSTRACT
Context: Despite being widely used with older adults in the community, there is limited literature on using the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale with older adults living in long-term care (LTC). Objective: The purpose of this article is to discuss the considerations of using this scale with older adults in LTC. Method: Our team consisted of older person and family partners, a clinician, and academic researchers working together in all stages of research using the Loneliness scale to conduct individual interviews with 20 older adults in LTC in Vancouver, Canada, as part of a study exploring the experience of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Team reflection was embedded in the research process, with reflection data consisting of data transcripts, field notes, and regular team meeting notes. Thematic analysis was employed to identify lessons learned and implications. Findings: Participants had various challenges responding to the scale. Our analysis identified five themes: a) diverse meanings of loneliness, b) multi-faceted factors of loneliness, c) technical challenges, d) social desirability, and e) situational experience. We also offer five recommendations to consider when using this scale with older adults in LTC. Limitations: We used this scale with a small sample of older adults in LTC, which is a more time and labour-intensive population. Data on marital status and educational background was not collected but might help in understanding considerations for using the scale with older adults in LTC. Implications: We offer practical recommendations for using the scale with older adults in LTC, especially how qualitative open-ended questions can complement the scale by providing useful insights into context and complex experiences. © 2022 The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Background COVID-19 imposed extreme constraints on Canadian long-term care (LTC) homes, leading to intense isolation for residents, restricted family visits, and staff shortages. Consequently, these challenges negatively impacted the mental and physical health of residents, family, and interdisciplinary workforce in LTC homes. Objectives 1. To describe how two LTC homes addressed promising practices - Presence of family, People in the workforce, and Future COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care with implementation science. 2. To understand the enablers, barriers and outcomes to the implementation of an innovative re-engineered intervention - P.I.E.C.E.S.™ (PIECES), designed to include families virtually for team-based resident care planning, and empower Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) to build resilience and wellbeing. Methods An interdisciplinary team (residents and family, nurses, and academic researchers), guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, employed a mixedmethod design to investigate implementation processes, determinants, and outcomes. Interviews with residents/families and staff focus groups provided insight into enablers and challenges. Pre- and post-intervention results of the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, Resilience at Work, and Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale informed understandings of personal, professional and organizational resilience outcomes. Results Findings highlighted how implementation of virtual PIECES helped sustain enhanced person-centered care through more comprehensive, collaborative, efficient and effective teams, leading to better outcomes for residents. Moreover, results suggested improved resilience, wellbeing, and communication between LTC home staff and family. New learnings improved preparedness for future outbreaks. Providing a plan for adapting, embedding, and sustaining the intervention based on implementation science will accelerate the spread of highquality actionable research evidence. Conclusions This is the first study to explore implementation processes of a virtually delivered PIECES intervention with meaningful engagement of multiple stakeholders (residents, family, RPNs). Findings provide evidence supporting important healthcare improvements, future spread of virtual interventions, and practice and policy changes for the LTC home sector.
ABSTRACT
This research aims to prove the influences of online formative feedback on students' motivation and self-directed learning skills in the time of COVID-19. The questionnaire was sent to 645 students who have completed at least seven blended learning courses. They were asked to choose one class to describe the frequencies of assessment activities and their characteristics. The data was analyzed using SPSS and PLS software, showing that online feedback significantly positively impacts student motivation and self-directed learning skills, except for self-assessment. Therefore applying technology in assessment can be a good solution during the pandemic time. The research also implies that the effectiveness of online feedback depends on the way it performs. Thus, the faculties should develop strategies to confirm the assessment's validity and efficiency. © 2021 Le Thai Hung.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is public health emergency of international concern. Since December 2019, COVID-19 spread rapidly to 187 countries, leading to more than 10 million cases within 6 months. Currently, the effective antiviral drugs are limited and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are under developed. Combating such emerging infectious disease, the best and feasible way is to strengthen and Implement specific infection prevention and control practice to control at the source, control along the path, control at the person, engineering and environmental controls. For healthcare facilities every visitor should be screened and triaged. Healthcare personnel working in facilities must properly use personal protective equipment and adheres to hand hygiene. Also, the hospital environment should undergo appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection. For the public, mask-wearing or social distancing is recommended if community spread is a concern. These Infection prevention and control measures are the cornerstones in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. © 2020 Society of Internal Medicine of Taiwan. All rights reserved.