Involve diverse groups of stakeholders and consider existing contexts when designing, developing and using Everyday Technologies
Guidance
Technology companies and developers should involve more diverse groups of people living with dementia or caring for people with dementia, in all stages of design, development and implementationA set of planned, intentional activities that aim to put into practice evidence-informed policies and practices in real-world services (see www.implementation.eu) of technologies. They should also consider existing contexts before introducing them.
Explanation and Examples
Consultations explored the ways in which Everyday Technology can be both an enabler and disabler, among people living with dementia, or providing care for people with dementia, from minority and migrant communities within the EU (Germany and Greece). The consultations highlighted the need for more contextually-relevant Everyday TechnologiesCommonplace technologies that most people would agree are widely available in homes and society. e.g. Microwave, television, ATM, ticket machine, elevator/lift, smartphone etc.. This includes consideration of existing contexts before introducing technologies or technology interventions e.g. eHealth, finance or social apps. Consultees reported the need to identify existing levels of access and ability to use Everyday TechnologiesCommonplace technologies that most people would agree are widely available in homes and society. e.g. Microwave, television, ATM, ticket machine, elevator/lift, smartphone etc. (e.g. possession of technological devices and digital literacy etc.) as well as access to infrastructures to support their use (e.g. internet connection, battery charging facilities and face-to-face support). Everyday Technology use is influenced by contextual and cultural factors. Technology companies and developers need to involve a more diverse group of people living with dementia or caring for people with dementia (e.g. from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, urban and rural environments etc.) throughout all stages of technology development.
Themes
Activities of daily living Dementia Everyday technology Health literacy Health Services Accessibility Human rights Minority groups Social isolation Technology
Target groups
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Technology developers Technology providers Think TanksType of evidence
Multilevel stakeholder consultations & literature review.
References
Gaber, S. N. Findings presented at The Health Inequalities Research Network (HERON) Conference, London, UK, 2018. [How do Contextual Factors and Everyday Technologies Shape Inequalities in Participation among Ageing Communities Living with Health-related Vulnerabilities?]
Gaber, S. N., Nygård, L., Brorsson, A., Kottorp, A., Charlesworth, G., Wallcook, S., Malinowsky, C. (2020). Social Participation in Relation to Technology Use and Social Deprivation: A Mixed Methods Study Among Older People with and without Dementia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 4022. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/11/4022#
As training manager of INDUCT, I am responsible for the overall coordination and organization of the individual and network-wide training of our 15 ESRs. My main task is the organization of five INDUCT Summer and Winter Schools. Together with the local and management team, we identify needs and interests among the ESRs, compose a varied program for the week including training sessions, project meetings and social and networking events, invite academic and non-academic expert speakers, organize practical matters, and afterwards we evaluate the event, write a report, and try to incorporate all suggestions in our future training events.