P-44

Background and research question

Calculations predict an increasing number of care recipients with palliative care needs. In response to this increased demand, technology could play an essential role. To gain insight into the use of technology in the provision of palliative care, a baseline measurement was performed. The research question was: 'To what extent are technological tools used by institutions within the Saxion region to provide palliative care?' '

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was carried out within 102 institutions (17 hospices (H), 39 nursing homes (VH) and 46 home care institutions (TI)). Selection of nursing homes and home care institutions took place randomly by approaching each fifth institution on a predetermined list of institutions, per setting. The hospices in the region have all been approached. Information about 20 different technological tools was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results

Hospices use fewer technological aids than home care institutions and nursing homes (6, 9 and 10, respectively, are used by more than 50% of this type of institution). Technological tools such as personal alarms, passive lifts, high-low beds, oxygen devices and stand-up aids are used in every setting by more than 50% of the settings. Sensors are used extensively in nursing homes (74% compared to 13% of TI and 42% of H), EPD in nursing homes and home care institutions (78% and 66% respectively in relation to 33% in H) and a tube feeding pump in home care institutions (55% compared to 35% in VH and 17% in H). Video calling (0% of H, 13% of VH, 19% of TI), e-consults (0% of H and VH, 11% of TI) and social robots (0% of H and TI, 9% of VH) are hardly used in all settings.

Impact for practice

The technical tools that are used are mainly for the benefit of the care provider. More effort should be put into technical tools that increases the quality of life of care recipients.