Collaborative partnership on the development of tools to promote personalized communication about everyday technology. Results from a pilot study. Brugerinvolverende redskab til dialog om teknologi, Resultater fra en pilottest

Background: It is known that technology has the potential to support and facilitate everyday living for families with dementia, e.g. by enabling people to continue meaningful activities and to stay connected with family and friends. However, little is known about ways to facilitate collaboration and involvement among families with dementia and health professionals in regards to this area. Accordingly, the purpose was to investigate ways to personalize communication and shared-decision making on the use of everyday technology to improve the overall quality of municipality service in this area.
Methods: This project was based on ideas of design thinking and theory of change. The data comprised semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation. The project involved three stages of exploration and tool development, followed by a six months pilot test. The sample consisted of 83 participants: 47 health professionals, 33 people with dementia and 3 relatives. A thematic analysis let to the findings.
Results: This project was initiated and funded by ‘The Development Center for Dementia’, which consists of eight Danish municipalities and two health educations. The study resulted in three interrelated tools: 1) a set of dialogue cards to promote person-centered communication and shared-decision making about technology to support everyday living, 2) A concept for developing health professionals’ technology skills, and 3) A technology catalog that can be used across municipalities.
Conclusion: This project resulted in three tools, which combined contribute to a more personalized and user-friendly approach to communication and dissemination about everyday technology, that may inspire quality development. Using these tools, families with dementia are invited to participate in a dialogue about technology in relation to their everyday lives, as opposed to a more traditional screening of needs.