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Use of a home-care computer network by persons with AIDS
1Case Western Reserve University.
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Computer networks effectively deliver nursing care to homebound individuals. This study shows persons living with AIDS (PWAs) successfully adopted a specialized computer network for support and communication.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Informatics
- Health Services Research
- Telehealth
Background:
- Home-based care is increasingly vital for diverse patient populations.
- Existing technologies like cable TV and telephone triage offer partial solutions for remote care delivery.
- Computer networks integrate broadcast and interactive features, ideal for home nursing services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adoption and use of a specialized computer network (ComputerLink) for delivering nursing services.
- To assess the utility of computer networks as a technology for home-based nursing care.
- To understand how individuals with no prior computer experience interact with telehealth systems.
Main Methods:
- A 26-week randomized field experiment involving 26 persons living with AIDS (PWAs).
- PWAs utilized the ComputerLink system for information, decision support, and communication.
- Behavioral measures tracked system access and usage patterns.
Main Results:
- The ComputerLink system was accessed over 8,664 times by participants.
- Communication features, particularly the public communication area, were used most frequently, functioning as a support group.
- PWAs with no prior computer experience successfully adopted and adapted to the system.
Conclusions:
- Computer networks are a viable and effective technology for delivering nursing services to home-based patients.
- The ComputerLink system demonstrated successful integration into the daily lives of PWAs, enhancing care delivery.
- Nurses should leverage advanced technologies like computer networks to meet the evolving needs of home-care clients.