| Learning Objective #1: Identify barriers influencing the acceptance and use of telehealth by caregivers in the home setting | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Define the role of the nurse, bioengineer, and caregiver in the use of telehealth technologies |
The purpose of this research study was to determine the factors that influence the willingness of family members caring for stroke patients to use telehealth technologies in the home. This preliminary study employed a descriptive design with a sample of 20 caregivers (over 40 years of age) caring for a family member who had had a stroke within the previous year. Telehealth videophones were installed in the home of caregivers of stroke patients to assess their acceptance and utilization of the technology to communicate with home health nurses. Over a 4-week period, the nurse contacted the caregiver via videophone once a week. The caregiver was also encouraged to initiate calls to the nurse, as needed. For the final two weeks of the intervention, the nurse and caregiver had telehealth visits only at the caregiver's initiation of a call. Detailed notes regarding the technical aspects and content of the calls and the caregiver-telehealth interactions were kept by the nurse. On termination of the study, the caregivers were interviewed over the phone regarding factors influencing their use of the telehealth technology. Content of the conversations between the caregiver and nurse ranged from discussions related to physical needs and care of the patient to a need for emotional support by the caregiver in dealing with the isolation and stress imposed by caregiving. The development of rapport between the telehealth nurse and caregiver was found to be a major factor affecting the frequency and content of interactions. Potential blocks to the use of telehealth were identified. They included length of time from acute diagnosis, concerns by the caregiver in maintaining home security, and acceptance of technology. Identification of potential blocks to the use of telehealth is vital prior to developing and evaluating programs using telehealth as a method of rehabilitative technology.
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