Using diffusion of innovation theory to describe perceptions of a passive positioning alarm among persons with mild dementia: a repeated interview study

BMC Geriatrics

Research Article

Kirsti Skovdahl¹  Annakarin Olsson²  Maria Engström³ 

[1] Faculty of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, P.O. Box 235, 3603, Kongsberg, Norway;Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 80176, Gävle, Sweden;Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 80176, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 564, 751 22, Uppsala, Sweden;

关键词: Dementia;    GPS;    Outdoors;    Promoting health;    Qualitative research;    Tracking technology;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-016-0183-8

 received in 2015-09-18, accepted in 2016-01-04,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundProblems with memory and decline in cognitive abilities are common during development of dementia. Different kinds of technologies may be useful in supporting persons with dementia and their relatives in daily life. Tracking technologies have the potential to improve independence among persons with dementia. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to describe perceptions of a passive positioning alarm (PPA) among persons with mild dementia.MethodsA repeated interview study was conducted in Sweden with a strategic sample of 11 persons with mild dementia. Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory was used to deductively analyse the data.ResultsRegarding the advantages of the PPA, participants described perceived safety and security for, both themselves, and their relatives, as well as freedom and independence. However, they also expressed concern about the cost of the PPA, reflected on who might be the receiver of the alarm from the PPA, emphasized the importance of opportunities to test the device before becoming a user and early introduction before their problems start, thus allowing them to decide for themselves.ConclusionsSupporting persons with dementia in their own homes using, e.g., a PPA may enable them and their relatives to remain longer in their own homes and be safer in their own neighbourhoods.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Olsson et al. 2016