Effective Gerontechnology Use in Elderly Care Work: From Potholes to Innovation Opportunities

H. Melkas
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H. Melkas: Lappeenranta University of Technology

Chapter Chapter 32 in The Silver Market Phenomenon, 2011, pp 435-449 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The use of information and communication technologies (ICT), including safety alarm technologies, is increasing. Its influence on service personnel in elderly care has implications on the possibilities of rooting technological innovations into care work. Human impact assessment methodologies have been employed to assess competence related to technology use, needs for orientation into technology use, and well-being of care personnel. Safety alarms are considered useful both for actual care work and for the administrative part of the care organization. Care personnel appear not to be fully informed as to technical characteristics and the resulting organizational changes. At individual and work community levels, regular human impact assessment of new technologies may stimulate their adoption by the professional carers. This chapter is based on empirical research in a large research and development project in Finland. The research focused on safety telephones and high-tech well-being wristbands. Potholes (problems and shortcomings) lying in safety alarm systems were identified – taking into account the technology as well as services and organizational networks. The potholes may also be looked into as sources and opportunities for potential future innovation. Social, organizational, process and marketing innovations – combined with technology – are significant parts of the innovation activity related to the aging of the population.

Keywords: Impact Assessment; Technological Innovation; Elderly Care; Call Center; Alarm Call (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-14338-0_32

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