Understanding Current Needs and Future Expectations of Informal Caregivers for Technology to Support Health and Well-being: National Survey Study.
Kieren J EganPatricia ClarkZahid DeenCarmen Paputa DutuGraham WilsonLisa McCannMarilyn R LennonRoma MaguirePublished in: JMIR aging (2022)
Caregivers are a transient, often difficult to reach population, and this work has collated a large body of knowledge across a diverse group of individuals. Many caregivers, like the rest of society, are realizing the benefits of using everyday technology to help deliver care. It is clear that there is already a high level of dependency on technologies, where future expectations will grow. However, many barriers to digital technology use remain, including a lack of ongoing technology support. Preventive measures linked to technology that can help look after a caregiver's own health appear acceptable, particularly for communicative tools. This collated caregiver knowledge is a call for all stakeholders-academics, policy makers, and practitioners-to take note of these specific challenges, and to ensure that caregiver voices are both heard and fully integrated within the emerging digital health agenda.