ABSTRACT
The potential of technological assistance to support distance caregiving - literature review and empirical results Abstract.Background: Due to demographic change, increasing labour mobility and changing family patterns, social relationships often exist over long distances. Supporting relatives over a distance is therefore a highly topical issue but still little discussed, also in Germany and Switzerland. Aim: The project "DiCa" (2016 - 2019) with an interdisciplinary research team from Germany (EH Ludwigsburg) and Switzerland (Careum School of Health, Zurich) aims to investigate different dimensions of "Distance Caregiving". This paper deals with the possible use of new technologies to support these care arrangements. Methods: Based on a literature review, qualitative interviews were conducted with "Distance Carers" and partner companies in Germany to investigate the use of new technologies in the context of "Distance Caregiving". Results: There are initial approaches concerning technical solutions in home care and in companies. So far communication options via telephone and smartphone and flexible working time and workplace regulations have played an important role. However, the potential of new technologies does not seem to be fully explored. Conclusions: In order to make the most of the various possibilities of innovative technologies in the context of "Distance Caregiving" for those affected but also for companies, well-researched information and independent advice and counseling are required for all parties involved in the care process.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Technology , Caregivers , Inventions , Telemedicine/instrumentation , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Family caregivers are important players in both inpatient and domestic healthcare. As a result of increasing mobility many also perform care over geographical distances. OBJECTIVE: The article highlights the opportunities and challenges of distance caregiving from a distance caregivers' perspective. Data were collected as part of the binational research and development project on distance caregiving, which investigated various dimensions of distance caregiving with an interdisciplinary team from Germany (Protestant University Ludwigsburg) and Switzerland (Careum University of Applied Sciences Zurich). To date empirical results exist mainly for the Anglo-American region. This study provides hitherto lacking empirical findings for Germany and Switzerland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on 49 guideline-based, partially narrative interviews (Germany: Nâ¯= 35; Switzerland: Nâ¯= 14) with distance caregivers, who at the time of data collection were caring for a person at least 60 years old. The software-supported data analysis (MAXQDA 10) was carried out using deductive and inductive structuring content analysis according to Mayring. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Distance caregivers provide substantial and diverse care and support tasks. A central challenge is the lack of up to date and reliable information regarding the care situation. This may lead to emotional strain; however, distance also results in relief for caregivers. A functioning network including well-defined agreements and transparent communication is crucial.
Subject(s)
Caregivers , Emotions , Telemedicine , Work-Life Balance , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Germany , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , SwitzerlandABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Demographic change, increasing work mobility as well as changed family patterns lead to social relationships over long distances; however, support from relatives from a distance is hardly debated in the German-speaking region. The project "DiCa" (2016-2019) studies various dimensions of long-distance caregiving. OBJECTIVE: This article presents the state of the art in research on specific characteristics of care arrangements from a distance. In addition, it presents the underlying challenges, strategies, and supportive as well as hindering conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic literature review. RESULTS: These studies, conducted largely in the Anglo-American region, draw a clear picture of who distance caregivers are (in general well-educated daughters or daughters-in-law) and that they make a substantial contribution to care in terms of organization, coordination, and emotional support in addition to visits. Distance impedes the flow of information about the health condition of the person in need of care and limits the possibilities to react to the needs at short notice or in crisis situations. Distance caregivers are often faced by financial as well as emotional burdens due to the care situation and lack of control even if there are some support strategies and compatibility between care and occupation, e.g. emergency management, local support networks, flexible working arrangements. CONCLUSION: In the German-speaking region, pertinent studies on long-distance caregiving are missing. Internationally, the numbers of cases are not always clear and there is a lack of sound knowledge on the assessment of the care arrangements on the part of the distance caregiver, the actual role of the distance, specific barriers, conflicts, effective strategies and solution options. This applies to people in family homecare as well primary care facilities and employers.
