The Development of Systems and Mechanisms to Enhance Competency of Caregivers to Use of Healthcare Digital Technology System for Improve Quality of Life of the Elderly
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Abstract
This research and development project aims to development of systems and mechanisms to enhance the competency of caregivers to use of healthcare digital technology system for improve quality of life of the elderly. It was conducted in three phases: Phase 1 involved studying the local context, the current state, and the desired state of the system and mechanism to promote the technological competence of elderly caregivers. Phase 2 involved developing the system and mechanism to enhance the capacity of elderly caregivers in using digital health technology to manage the quality of life of the elderly. Phase 3 studied the effectiveness of the system and mechanism. The sample group for phases 1 and 2 consisted of 20 stakeholders involved in the development of elderly caregiver competence in Khung Taphao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. The research instruments included: 1) focus group discussion topics for stakeholders; and 2) a questionnaire on the suitability and feasibility of the development system and mechanism. The content validity of the instruments was checked by 3 experts, yielding an IOC value of .67-1.00. Qualitative data analysis was then conducted. Descriptive statistics were used in Phase 3. The sample group consisted of 30 caregivers of the elderly. The instruments included the system and mechanisms and a questionnaire measuring caregivers' digital technology competence. The content validity coefficient was .85. Data was analyzed using an independent t-test.
Research findings revealed that: The developed elderly caregiver capacity development system comprises: 1) Inputs: Integrating elderly development policies and plans with digital skills development; allocating resources and budgets for caregiver training; and establishing clear caregiver development plans. 2) Processes: Analyzing the needs and competencies of caregivers according to the local context; designing curricula based on actual needs; implementing blended learning combining theory and practice; and promoting lifelong learning. 3) Outputs and outcomes must be clear. The key development mechanisms were: 1) continuous and appropriately scheduled training; 2) quality control involving mentors/coaches, local agencies, and networks; and 3) the effectiveness of the system and mechanisms. And it was found that caregivers had a statistically significant increase in average competency scores after using the system and mechanisms (p=.001).
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