The aim of this assignment is to find out if the elderly’s Sense of Coherence has an impact on the way they accept and adapt to nursing technology. The method that has been used consists of qualitative and quantitative research. The use of both methods helped to get a broader understanding of the technologies' impact on elderly people. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used to understand and analyse the articles that were chosen. Aaron Antonovsky's theory Sense of Coherence gave the opportunity to find out how elderly people cope with the use of technology. Throughout the analysis four different articles are used to bring in different aspects on nursing technology, how the elderly adapt to technology and the importance of ethical aspects. The Sense of Coherence's effect on the adaption to nursing technology is illuminated. To draw a conclusion, nursing technology seems to be an ambivalent but effective tool in caring for elderly people. Health professionals and elderly people need education to handle the technology and to take advantage of the benefits. It is important for nurses to focus on the elderly’s Sense of Coherence to make it easier to accept and adopt to the technology. It is important for the nurse to take into consideration the ethical aspects of safety, dignity and rights of people when working with nursing technology. Furthermore the future development of nursing technology and its impact on nurses and elderly people are considered.
Table of Contents
1. Summary
2. Method
3. Theory
3.1 Can education make it easier for the elderly person to accept technology?
3.2 Are ethical aspects taken into consideration when the use of nursing technology is discussed?
4. Perspectives to the nursing profession
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this assignment is to investigate whether Aaron Antonovsky’s "Sense of Coherence" (SoC) framework influences how elderly individuals accept and adapt to the integration of nursing technology within their daily lives. The study explores the intersection of health technology, psychological coping mechanisms, and nursing ethics in the context of an ageing global population.
- Impact of nursing technology on the independence of elderly people
- Role of Sense of Coherence (comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness) in technology adoption
- Ethical considerations regarding privacy, dignity, and human contact in telecare
- Necessity of education for both patients and healthcare professionals
- Benefits and risks of technology-mediated care environments
Excerpt from the Book
How do elderly people accept living with technology in their own home?
Living with technology at home brings in both positive and negative aspects. Most of the elderly want to remain independent for as long as possible, and the use of technology can help them (Peeters et al. 2012, 3184). Elderly persons want to remain independent and become therefore an active participant in their own health care process to do so and to achieve empowerment (Bos et al. 2008). Referring to Antonovsky's SoC patients need to have a high meaningfulness of the situation to have the ability of empowerment. The first step to empowerment is to access the relevant and adequate information which helps the patient to understand and achieve meaningfulness with the use of technology in daily life. Experiences and the exchange thereof is crucial for the patient empowerment (ibid.). 95% of the participants in the Fex et al. study stated that living with technology was manageable (Fex et al. 2012, 811).
The use of communication and information technology could intensify the feeling of loneliness when living alone and being captive in their own home (Sävenstedt et al. 2006, 19-20). The participants of the Fex study perceived feelings of being tied up when using technology in their home (Fex et al. 2012, 811). Referred to Antonovsky’s SoC, it could be seen as a low comprehensibility and manageability. In consequence it is as well the comparison of loneliness and social isolation versus social contacts (Sävenstedt et al. 2006, 19-20). This would speak for a high meaningfulness because the use of technology may make sense in an emotional way and can be a motivational factor to use technology (ibid.).
Summary of Chapters
Summary: Provides an overview of the research aims, methodologies used, and the central conclusion that Sense of Coherence is a vital factor for elderly individuals in adapting to health technologies.
Method: Details the qualitative and quantitative literature search strategy, the application of Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists, and the phenomenological hermeneutical approach.
Theory: Defines Aaron Antonovsky’s Salutogenic framework, specifically the three components of Sense of Coherence: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.
Can education make it easier for the elderly person to accept technology?: Examines the necessity for structured training and support for both elderly patients and nursing staff to facilitate successful technology integration.
Are ethical aspects taken into consideration when the use of nursing technology is discussed?: Discusses the ethical tensions between safety, privacy, surveillance, and the fundamental nursing requirement to maintain patient dignity.
Perspectives to the nursing profession: Explores the evolving role of the nurse, emphasizing that technological advancement should complement rather than replace interpersonal care.
Keywords
Nursing technology, Elderly care, Sense of Coherence, Telecare, Empowerment, Adaption, Salutogenesis, Ethics, Dignity, Assistive technology, Patient independence, Healthcare professional, Communication technology, Aging population, Coping strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this research paper?
The paper aims to understand how the psychological concept of "Sense of Coherence" affects the ability of elderly people to accept and integrate nursing technologies into their home life.
Which scientific methods were applied in this study?
The authors utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, applying a phenomenological hermeneutical approach to analyze selected academic literature.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The main themes include the aging global population, the duality of nursing technology (aiding independence vs. risks of isolation), ethical care practices, and the importance of patient empowerment.
What is "Sense of Coherence" (SoC) in this context?
It is a coping strategy framework developed by Aaron Antonovsky, consisting of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness, which helps individuals cope with life challenges, including new technology.
What is the core conclusion regarding the future of nursing technology?
The authors conclude that while technology is an effective tool, it must be supported by adequate education for both patients and staff, while remaining centered on the ethical values of dignity and human connection.
Which criteria are used to characterize the key concepts?
The study uses terms like "Nursing technology," "Assistive technology," "Telecare," and "Older person" to define the scope of the investigation into how care is perceived and delivered.
How do patients perceive the trade-off between privacy and telecare?
The research highlights that while telecare offers security and independence, there are concerns regarding the loss of privacy, potential surveillance, and feelings of being "tied up" at home.
What is the role of the nurse in the face of increasing technology?
Nurses play a critical role as facilitators who must ensure that the human connection remains intact, providing education and addressing the fears patients may have regarding dehumanized care.
- Quote paper
- Annina Grimm (Author), Jens Hoj (Author), Michelle H. Thomsen (Author), Christina B. Jansen (Author), 2014, How do elderly people adapt to and accept nursing technology?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/287173
