Title

Telehospice tools for caregivers: A pilot study

Abstract

This pilot study introduces videophones into the homes of elderly caregivers of dying patients, evaluating their usefulness as a communication tool. A total of 12 senior caregivers from two hospice agencies were recruited into the study. Portable videophones were installed allowing caregivers to conduct video-calls with hospice staff. Findings indicate that the anxiety scores significantly decreased (p < 0.05) for participants over time. Differences in quality-of-life scores (including individual dimensions as well as overall score) were not statistically significant. Staff members at one of the participating hospice agencies were originally reluctant to recruit caregivers to the study. Videophones were perceived as easy to use by caregivers who overall saw benefit in the visual feedback during their communication with hospice staff.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1300/J018v31n01_04

Keywords

Aged, Anxiety, Caregiver quality of life index, Hospice care, Informatics, Social work, Telehospice, Telemedicine, Videophone

Publication Date

10-3-2007

Journal Title

Clinical Gerontologist

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