A web-based care assistant for caregivers of the elderly: Development and pilot study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Informatics
• Knowledge Management

Background:

• Korea's aging population drives demand for elderly care services and facilities.
• Adult Daycare Centers (ADCs) are growing, but caregivers face challenges due to information gaps.
• Current elderly care practices struggle with the latest information on aging and coping abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an elderly care assistant (ECA) system.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the ECA system in facilitating information and knowledge sharing among caregivers.

Main Methods:

• The ECA system utilizes a knowledge management system with an ontological knowledge model.
• A web-based interface was developed for accessibility.
• A field trial involving eight caregivers at an ADC in Seoul was conducted using surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• The ECA system proved beneficial for promoting knowledge sharing among caregivers.
• Caregivers recognized the potential of the ECA system when used with family caregivers.
• The system facilitates the sharing of crucial information for elderly care.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary evidence suggests the benefits of a care knowledge sharing system for elderly care.
• The elderly care assistant system effectively promotes knowledge sharing.
• Further research is required to ascertain the ECA system's impact on elderly care outcomes.