Health Collaborative Research Network and Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
Health Collaborative Research Network and Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
J Telemed Telecare. 2014 Oct;20(7):353-9. doi: 10.1177/1357633X14552369.
We examined the acceptability of multi-site videoconferencing as a method of providing group education to older people in their homes. There were 9 groups comprising 52 participants (mean age 73 years) with an average of four chronic conditions. Tablet computers or PCs were installed in participant's homes and connected to the Internet by the National Broadband Network (high-speed broad band network) or by the 4G wireless network. A health literacy and self-management programme was delivered by videoconference for 5 weeks. Participants were able to view and interact with all group members and the facilitator on their devices. During the study, 44 group videoconferences were conducted. Evaluation included 16 semi-structured interviews, 3 focus groups and a journal detailing project implementation. The participants reported enjoying home-based group education by videoconference and found the technology easy to use. Using home-based groups via videoconference was acceptable for providing group education, and considered particularly valuable for people living alone and/or with limited mobility. Audio difficulties were the most commonly reported problem. Participants connected with 4G experienced more problems (audio and visual) than participants on the National Broadband Network and those living in multi-dwelling residences reported more problems than those living in single-dwelling residences. Older people with little computer experience can be supported to use telehealth equipment. Telehealth has the potential to improve access to education about chronic disease self-management.
我们研究了多点视频会议作为一种为老年人在家中提供群体教育的方法的可接受性。共有 9 个小组，由 52 名参与者（平均年龄 73 岁）组成，平均有四种慢性病。参与者的家中安装了平板电脑或个人电脑，并通过国家宽带网络（高速宽带网络）或 4G 无线网络连接到互联网。通过视频会议提供了为期 5 周的健康素养和自我管理计划。参与者可以在他们的设备上查看和与所有小组成员和主持人进行互动。在研究期间，进行了 44 次小组视频会议。评估包括 16 次半结构化访谈、3 个焦点小组和一份详细记录项目实施情况的日记。参与者报告说喜欢通过视频会议进行基于家庭的群体教育，并且发现该技术易于使用。通过视频会议使用基于家庭的小组对于提供群体教育是可以接受的，并且被认为对于独居和/或行动不便的人特别有价值。音频问题是最常报告的问题。使用 4G 连接的参与者比使用国家宽带网络的参与者遇到更多问题（音频和视频），居住在多住户住宅的参与者比居住在单住户住宅的参与者遇到更多问题。几乎没有计算机经验的老年人可以得到支持来使用远程医疗设备。远程医疗有可能改善慢性病自我管理教育的可及性。
