Digi-TechNH. Digital Technologies for Improving Social Interaction and Participation of People in Need of Long-Term Care and Support in Residential Long-Term Care Facilities
The objective of the project is to analyse, by means of a participative mixed-methods design, how digital technologies can help improve social interaction and participation among long-term care facility residents. Building on the results of the analysis, a concept will then be drawn up for the further utilisation of digital technologies involving not only residents but also their families and careworkers, thus contributing in the long term to a better-quality care situation.Duration:01 January 2022 - 31 December 2023
Research Team:Milena Büchs (Head of project)
Prof. Dr. Heinz Rothgang (Head of project)
Johanna Ritter
The objective of the project is to analyse, by means of a participative mixed-methods design, how digital technologies can help improve social interaction and participation among long-term care facility residents. Building on the results of the analysis, a concept will then be drawn up for the further utilisation of digital technologies involving not only residents but also their families and careworkers, thus contributing in the long term to a better-quality care situation.Duration:01 January 2022 - 31 December 2023
Research Team:Milena Büchs (Head of project)
Prof. Dr. Heinz Rothgang (Head of project)
Johanna Ritter Care homes are often described as places in which residents experience social isolation and loneliness. This problematic situation has of course been severly exacerbated by visiting bans during the Corona pandemic. It is known from the literature that a lack of social interaction and participation has a negative impact on the mental health and life quality of older people. However, the development of digital technologies and aids that may help to maintain social participation is pushing ahead.
It therefore makes sense to take a closer look at the effects of the “digital transformation” in the provision of care for older people. Little is known at present about the concrete utilisation of such technologies and their application in everyday care provision. The present project seeks to make a substantial innovative contribution in this respect by conducting a participative mixed-methods study that takes all the groups involved – carers, residents, families and relatives – into account. The aim of the study is to analyse which digital technologies are currently in use in long-term care residencies, what experiences are reported about their use, and what factors are described that inhibit or enhance their use.
Building on the results of the study, the researchers then aim to draw up a concept in cooperation with (potential) users, but also with policy-makers and funding agencies, as to how digital technologies can be incorporated into the everyday provision of care with a view to enhancing the social interactions and participation of residents and thus, in the long term, contributing to an improvement in the provision of long-term care.
Duration:01 January 2022 - 31 December 2023
Research Team:Milena Büchs (Head of project)
Prof. Dr. Heinz Rothgang (Head of project)
Johanna RitterProject Type:Third-party funded project
