Supporting identity and relationships amongst people with dementia through the use of technology: a qualitative interview study

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being

Gemma Goodall¹  Kristin Taraldsen¹  J Artur Serrano¹  Lara André² 

[1] Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU;Santa Casa Da Misericórdia De Lisboa (SCML);

关键词: dementia;    technology;    narrative;    identity;    relationships;    symbolic interactionism;    reflexive thematic analysis;    qualitative research methods;   

DOI  :  10.1080/17482631.2021.1920349

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Meaningful activities in dementia care can promote the co-construction of narrative identity in caregiving relationships, helping to preserve the sense of self in people with dementia. Purpose: Informed by symbolic interactionism and Deweyan transactionalism, the aim of this study was to develop a transactional model of how narrative identity and relationships are promoted through the use of a new technological solution, SENSE-GARDEN, that uses digital technologies and multisensory stimuli to facilitate individualized, meaningful activities. Method: We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore the experiences of people with moderate to advanced dementia and their caregivers in Norway and Portugal. After using SENSE-GARDEN for 12–16 weeks, 20 participants (7 persons with dementia and 13 caregivers) were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were generated: openness, learning, and connection. Findings suggest that SENSE-GARDEN can stimulate emotional experiences, preserve narrative identity, and foster interpersonal relationships. These findings are illustrated through a transactional model. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex multitude of factors affecting person-environment interactions in which narrative identity and relationships are constructed. To better understand these factors, future work should adopt a holistic approach to studying new methods of creating meaningful activities in dementia care.

【 授权许可】

Unknown