Acceptance of Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology Among Dementia Clients and Family Caregivers

The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptance of Global Positioning System (GPS) used to help people with dementia, who are at risk for wandering in their communities. We used a mixed methods research approach that included use logs, pre and post paper-based questionnaires, and focus groups. Forty-five client-caregiver pairs (dyads) were included to use one of the GPS devices for an average of 5.8 months over a 1-year period. GPS acceptance was high; dyads were likely to continue using the GPS. According to the participants, the GPS provided caregivers peace of mind and reduced anxiety in dyads when clients got lost.El propósito de este estudio fue examinar la aceptación del Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) utilizado para ayudar a las personas con demencia que corren el riesgo de deambular por sus comunidades. Utilizamos un enfoque de investigación de métodos mixtos que incluía registros de uso, cuestionarios en papel previos y posteriores y grupos focales. Se incluyeron cuarenta y cinco pares de cliente-cuidador (díadas) para utilizar uno de los dispositivos GPS durante un promedio de 5,8 meses durante un período de 1 año. La aceptación del GPS fue alta; era probable que las díadas siguieran utilizando el GPS. Según los participantes, el GPS brindó tranquilidad a los cuidadores y redujo la ansiedad en las díadas cuando los clientes se perdían

Características de una colaboración exitosa en la evaluación de una innovación en el cuidado de la salud: lecciones aprendidas de la tecnología de localización GPS para clientes con demencia

Becoming lost or its risk is a problem for dementia clients, their families and caregivers. The purpose of the paper is to describe, analyze and share lessons from a pilot project to use global positioning system devices to manage the risk of becoming lost and, at the same time, maintaining client autonomy. The study informs technology implementation approaches and strategies for innovative health technologies. The project used a prospective mixed-methods approach including a pre and post paper-based questionnaire, focus groups and individual interviews. Technology uptake was examined post knowledge transfer using the After Action Review method, which has shown utility in military and health care settings. Project successes and weaknesses are identified to inform future approaches of innovative health technology pilot projects. Lessons from the pilot emphasize the need for innovators to understand the multifaceted context they are entering, enlist the support of leaders, dedicate a project lead, support autonomous decision making and problem solving, meet regularly to monitor progress and address issues and support peer-to-peer collaboration

Características de una colaboración exitosa en la evaluación de una innovación en el cuidado de la salud: lecciones aprendidas de la tecnología de localización GPS para clientes con demencia

Becoming lost or its risk is a problem for dementia clients, their families and caregivers. The purpose of the paper is to describe, analyze and share lessons from a pilot project to use global positioning system devices to manage the risk of becoming lost and, at the same time, maintaining client autonomy. The study informs technology implementation approaches and strategies for innovative health technologies. The project used a prospective mixed-methods approach including a pre and post paper-based questionnaire, focus groups and individual interviews. Technology uptake was examined post knowledge transfer using the After Action Review method, which has shown utility in military and health care settings. Project successes and weaknesses are identified to inform future approaches of innovative health technology pilot projects. Lessons from the pilot emphasize the need for innovators to understand the multifaceted context they are entering, enlist the support of leaders, dedicate a project lead, support autonomous decision making and problem solving, meet regularly to monitor progress and address issues and support peer-to-peer collaboration