Older People’s Attitudes and Perspectives of Welfare Technology in Norway.

Background: In Norway, as in other European countries, the ageing population is increasing rapidly. Governments seek to enable older people stay in their homes for as long as possible, and welfare technology (WT) has been proposed as a possible solution. Human behaviour modelling (HBM) is a welfare technology that identifies an individual’s behaviour patterns and detects abnormal behaviours, including falls and early signs of dementia. However, the successful development of HBM WT requires the consideration of the older people’s attitudes on this. Aim: The present study sought to explore attitudes and perspectives about welfare technology among older people living alone in Norway. Methods: We used an exploratory, qualitative approach in which semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with five women and four men between the ages of 79 and 91. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Two categories and four subcategories were identified: 1) preferences and concerns of welfare technology (i) feeling confident-proactive approach of future technology, (ii) concerns and dilemmas, and 2) reflections of today and tomorrow- awareness of own health (i) feeling healthy, independent, self-sufficient and safe, (ii) facing own ageing- preparedness on unpredictable scenarios. The main theme, welfare technology - a valuable addition to tomorrow’s homes, represents how the participants held positive and proactive attitudes towards the use of WT in their homes. Conclusion: Participants trusted the Norwegian healthcare system and did not rely on their families for care. Independence, autonomy, and feeling safe were essential for all participants, and most participants regarded welfare technology as empowering them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Participants already confidently used various technologies in their daily lives. Surprisingly, they expressed no concerns about privacy, but some mention concerns about loss of autonomy and dignity. We conclude that a person-centred approach to integrating new WT is necessarypublishedVersio

Technology as ‘time saver’ and the ‘saviour’ of older adult care: Analysing doxical representations in Norwegian healthcare policies

This paper analyses the political articulation and understanding of ‘technology-supported care’ for older adults in central Norwegian public policy documents. In these documents, technology is increasingly presented both as a time saver and a life saver for the welfare state. Drawing on data from document analysis of official green and white papers from the period 1973-2018, the paper describes and seeks answers to how healthcare policies have evolved towards representing a strong ‘techno-optimism’. The primary objective is to analyse how such an optimism have come about as well as understand the underlying assumptions and ideologies supporting it. Epistemologically, the paper leans on the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s theories on policy and practice, and on how current social practices can be analysed historically. The analysis identifies ‘historical breaks’ regarding how technologies are positioned throughout the last five decades and reveal battles between orthodox and heterodox stances towards technology in care. As such, we discuss the temporal aspects of representations of technology in policies, as well as problematic aspects of what we see at the current or prevalent doxa: a strong belief in technology in care as time- and cost-saving.In this paper we analyse the political articulation and understanding of ‘technology-supported care’ for older adults in central Norwegian public policy documents. In these documents, technology is increasingly presented both as a time saver and a lifesaver for the welfare state. Drawing on data from document analysis of official green and white papers from the period 1973-2018, the paper describes and seeks answers to how healthcare policies have evolved towards representing a strong ‘techno-optimism’. The primary objective is to analyse how such an optimism has come about and to understand the underlying assumptions and ideologies supporting it. Epistemologically, the paper leans on the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s theories on policy and practice, and on how current social practices can be analysed historically. Our analysis identifies ‘historical breaks’ regarding how technologies are positioned throughout the last five decades and reveal battles between orthodox and heterodox stances towards technology in care. As such, we discuss the temporal aspects of representations of technology in policies, as well as problematic aspects of what we see at the current or prevalent doxa: a strong belief in technology in care as time- and cost-saving

Report on SHAFE policies, strategies and funding

The objective of Working Group (WG) 4 of the COST Action NET4Age-Friendly is to examine existing policies, advocacy, and funding opportunities and to build up relations with policy makers and funding organisations. Also, to synthesize and improve existing knowledge and models to develop from effective business and evaluation models, as well as to guarantee quality and education, proper dissemination and ensure the future of the Action. The Working Group further aims to enable capacity building to improve interdisciplinary participation, to promote knowledge exchange and to foster a cross-European interdisciplinary research capacity, to improve cooperation and co-creation with cross-sectors stakeholders and to introduce and educate students SHAFE implementation and sustainability (CB01, CB03, CB04, CB05). To enable the achievement of the objectives of Working Group 4, the Leader of the Working Group, the Chair and Vice-Chair, in close cooperation with the Science Communication Coordinator, developed a template (see annex 1) to map the current state of SHAFE policies, funding opportunities and networking in the COST member countries of the Action. On invitation, the Working Group lead received contributions from 37 countries, in a total of 85 Action members. The contributions provide an overview of the diversity of SHAFE policies and opportunities in Europe and beyond. These were not edited or revised and are a result of the main areas of expertise and knowledge of the contributors; thus, gaps in areas or content are possible and these shall be further explored in the following works and reports of this WG. But this preliminary mapping is of huge importance to proceed with the WG activities. In the following chapters, an introduction on the need of SHAFE policies is presented, followed by a summary of the main approaches to be pursued for the next period of work. The deliverable finishes with the opportunities of capacity building, networking and funding that will be relevant to undertake within the frame of Working Group 4 and the total COST Action. The total of country contributions is presented in the annex of this deliverable

Technology as ‘time saver’ and the ‘saviour’ of older adult care: Analysing doxical representations in Norwegian healthcare policies

In this paper we analyse the political articulation and understanding of ‘technology-supported care’ for older adults in central Norwegian public policy documents. In these documents, technology is increasingly presented both as a time saver and a lifesaver for the welfare state. Drawing on data from document analysis of official green and white papers from the period 1973-2018, the paper describes and seeks answers to how healthcare policies have evolved towards representing a strong ‘techno-optimism’. The primary objective is to analyse how such an optimism has come about and to understand the underlying assumptions and ideologies supporting it. Epistemologically, the paper leans on the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s theories on policy and practice, and on how current social practices can be analysed historically. Our analysis identifies ‘historical breaks’ regarding how technologies are positioned throughout the last five decades and reveal battles between orthodox and heterodox stances towards technology in care. As such, we discuss the temporal aspects of representations of technology in policies, as well as problematic aspects of what we see at the current or prevalent doxa: a strong belief in technology in care as time- and cost-saving.publishedVersio

Welfare technology dilemmas facing young people with intellectual impairment – some illustrated theoretical explorations

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Nordic Social Work Research on 21.11.2017, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/2156857X.2017.1403365.The introduction of new technologies, specifically Welfare Technology, is examined in this article. Illustrative examples and experiences from young adults with intellectual impairments are provided as input to our theoretical discussions. A theoretical examination of dilemmas linked to the development and introduction of WT technology within the welfare society is offered, with challenges and dilemmas linked to inclusion and exclusion. Enhanced inclusion may be supported by WT technology and promote possibilities for self-determination. On the other hand, necessities to provide surveillance may stigmatize a person as someone unlikely to take responsibility for his/her own life. Special attention is offered in this respect to issues of ambiguities and dilemmas regarding the introduction of WT in the areas of health care and social work. Three issues will be explored in relation to this area: Knowledge- and skill requirements, technological challenges and involvement/user participation accompanying control and monitoring purposes.acceptedVersio

Medthings AS – a break-through innovation with the handling of medication

Master’s in Applied and Commercial Biotechnology. Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agriculture Sciences and Biotechnology.Patients depend on medicines to maintain health, prevent illness, manage chronic ailments and treat/improve disease conditions. However, there are growing reports indicating the misuse of medicines (not taken on time, skipped dosage, irregular or improper dosage) causing a great deal of challenge to the health sector. The major challenge lies with the elderly people (above 75 years) who often tends to forget their medications or are not adhered to it. At present, changing demography with a high number of elderly people and providing them quality health services is the biggest challenge. People aged 80 years or over use an average of 5.8 prescription drugs per person. The global spending on medicine reached 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in 2018 and is set to exceed 1.5 trillion dollars by 2023, while the global automatic pill dispenser machine market accounted for 1,755 million dollars in 2016 and is estimated to reach 3,023 million dollars by 2023. Studies suggests that 25% of the emergency rooms are alone filled with patients taking wrong medications making it the cause of majority of the deaths and involving an expenditure of $10.30 billion annually. Several losses of life can be avoided if intake of medicine can be controlled. In addition, there is a huge medicine wastage due to unused/expired or skipped dosage. In 2019, Swedish pharmacies collected over 1,300 tonnes of medicinal residues (Wallêr, 2019), affecting the economy and well and the nature. Medicine management plays a very vital role in order to ensure the correct intake of medicine. Several approaches, from nurses to automated robots have been sought to ensure the correct use of medicines but none of them have been able to turn out completely effective. The variety of automated pill dispensers in the market with multiple functionality and features lack one thing or the other. Although every dispenser is produced with the aim of dispensing the correct medicine at the correct time with accurate dose, it fails to ensure whether the medicine is actually taken or just thrown away. This thesis was written with a purpose to investigate the specific needs for medicine management using Mobili 1) and to suggest a market entry strategy for it in the Swedish market. Several articles and literature reviews were considered to gather background knowledge on this issue and some primary data were collected through personal communications with 10 concerned persons. Furthermore, business analysis tools were also used to study the market and the target customers and to know about the competitors. Overall, an image that despite a hefty number of pill dispensers in the market, the exact number of them used at present and their comparison based on the price was not clear. An important finding was that although not quite great, but still there is possibility of entrance and success for Mobili with the target group of people above 75 years with chronic ailment and multi drugs prescriptions, or young age group with daily supplement intake having a busy schedule requiring reminder. Although there was a conflict of thoughts on the benefits and trustworthiness of the pill dispensers, yet the literature suggested that the elderlies are quite familiar with the technology and the health professionals also praise such automated pill dispensers. 1) An innovative and modern pill dispenser system produced by Medthings AS, Norwa

Technology and good dementia care. A study of technology and ethics in everyday care practice

Avhandling (ph.d.) - Universitetet i Oslo, 2009publishedVersio

The glass ceiling : is it a state of mind?

Much is written in the literature and press about women having to break through the glass ceiling, but is there indeed any truth in this theory? For some women, working their way up the promotion ladder can be a challenge, but is it really as difficult as it is perceived? It would be naïve to think that all women are as ambitious as to want to break through the glass ceiling, and indeed in certain categories of employment such as advertising and marketing, they do appear to have made their mark, but science, engineering and technology, do not seem to attract females in the same numbers. We would argue that this lack of advancement is not necessarily due to a lack of opportunity. This paper addresses the role of women in science, engineering, and technology, assessing the support mechanisms offered to them to succeed in their chosen occupations. The investigation identifies factors that have led to women achieving senior levels in higher education, business, and government in the UK, thus making it through the glass ceiling. The methodology undertaken in this study includes, desk-based research, analysis of surveys, observations from literature search and surveys, and interviews/case studies of a number of prominent and internationally successful women; and final conclusions. All comprise the three components of the Triple Helix - influence of government through legislation, uptake in academia, and attendant support mechanisms, and impact in industry

Sensing Technology to Monitor Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms and to Assess Treatment Response in People With Dementia. A Systematic Review

Background: The prevalence of dementia is expected to rapidly increase in the next decades, warranting innovative solutions improving diagnostics, monitoring and resource utilization to facilitate smart housing and living in the nursing home. This systematic review presents a synthesis of research on sensing technology to assess behavioral and psychological symptoms and to monitor treatment response in people with dementia. Methods: The literature search included medical peer-reviewed English language publications indexed in Embase, Medline, Cochrane library and Web of Sciences, published up to the 5th of April 2019. Keywords included MESH terms and phrases synonymous with “dementia”, “sensor”, “patient”, “monitoring”, “behavior”, and “therapy”. Studies applying both cross sectional and prospective designs, either as randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were included. The study was registered in PROSPERO 3rd of May 2019. Results: A total of 1,337 potential publications were identified in the search, of which 34 were included in this review after the systematic exclusion process. Studies were classified according to the type of technology used, as (1) wearable sensors, (2) non-wearable motion sensor technologies, and (3) assistive technologies/smart home technologies. Half of the studies investigated how temporarily dense data on motion can be utilized as a proxy for behavior, indicating high validity of using motion data to monitor behavior such as sleep disturbances, agitation and wandering. Further, up to half of the studies represented proof of concept, acceptability and/or feasibility testing. Overall, the technology was regarded as non-intrusive and well accepted. Conclusions: Targeted clinical application of specific technologies is poised to revolutionize precision care in dementia as these technologies may be used both by patients and caregivers, and at a systems level to provide safe and effective care. To highlight awareness of legal regulations, data risk assessment, and patient and public involvement, we propose a necessary framework for sustainable ethical innovation in healthcare technology. The success of this field will depend on interdisciplinary cooperation and the advance in sustainable ethic innovation.publishedVersio

Unmet goals of tracking: within-track heterogeneity of students' expectations for

Educational systems are often characterized by some form(s) of ability grouping, like tracking. Although substantial variation in the implementation of these practices exists, it is always the aim to improve teaching efficiency by creating homogeneous groups of students in terms of capabilities and performances as well as expected pathways. If students’ expected pathways (university, graduate school, or working) are in line with the goals of tracking, one might presume that these expectations are rather homogeneous within tracks and heterogeneous between tracks. In Flanders (the northern region of Belgium), the educational system consists of four tracks. Many students start out in the most prestigious, academic track. If they fail to gain the necessary credentials, they move to the less esteemed technical and vocational tracks. Therefore, the educational system has been called a 'cascade system'. We presume that this cascade system creates homogeneous expectations in the academic track, though heterogeneous expectations in the technical and vocational tracks. We use data from the International Study of City Youth (ISCY), gathered during the 2013-2014 school year from 2354 pupils of the tenth grade across 30 secondary schools in the city of Ghent, Flanders. Preliminary results suggest that the technical and vocational tracks show more heterogeneity in student’s expectations than the academic track. If tracking does not fulfill the desired goals in some tracks, tracking practices should be questioned as tracking occurs along social and ethnic lines, causing social inequality