JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant restrictions on in-person interactions within long-term care homes (LTCHs) severely compromised social connectedness among older adults and their families. In a post-pandemic climate, despite policies changes that support greater in-person family engagement, LTCHs frequently experience outbreaks which can disrupt face-to-face interactions and factors such as geography, life circumstances, and variable health can constrain family members’ ability to make regular in-person visits. Research suggests that web-based presence technology (WPT) may be a practical solution to increase opportunities for older adults within LTCH to maintain social connection in the absence of physical gathering. However, increased understanding of end user experiences is lacking and more information on LTCHs readiness to support and sustain WPT will be needed if this modality is to be successfully and widely implemented.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to understand how older adults living in LTCHs, their families, and LTCHs staff members perceived the utility and ease of use of web-based presence technology devices for facilitating social connectedness.

Methods:

Using a qualitative description approach in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven older adults, 22 family members, and 10 staff across three LTCHs via Zoom/Teams or phone calls. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis informed by Technology Acceptance Model.

Results:

Findings were structured into three main themes: actual system use, perceived usefulness of WPT and perceived ease of use of WPT. Participants described using a range of WPT hardware and software to promote social connection between older adults and family members. Videoconferencing had a crucial role in supporting older adults and their family members’ positive emotional state while also enabling them to maintain life and social roles such as participating in family functions. Despite the perceived utility of these tools, participants were concerned about the decline in offering videoconferencing services using web-based presence technologies across LTCHs post-pandemic. Some participants noted shifting funding priorities towards supporting in-person recreational activities rather than diversifying web-based social connection options. Additionally, factors pertaining to WPT ease of use and integration included limited staff to support older adults with different physical and cognitive needs, variability in digital literacy including knowledge about accessibility features to enhance the ease of use, and families’ lack of awareness about the availability of WPT for social connectedness.

Conclusions:

Web-based presence technology has potential to be a meaningful way to reduce social isolation and promote a sense of social connectedness among older adults and their families and friends. Future research should explore how web-based technology could be integrated into care planning for this population particularly in situations where older adults may be at heightened risk for social isolation. Resource allocation towards equipment, infrastructure, and family and staff training would be well-placed to increase engagement with web-based presence technology within LTCHs. Clinical Trial: PRR1-10.2196/50137