Use of information and communication technology in occupational therapy for older adults

Abstract

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) provides one solution to meet increasing demands for occupational therapy for older adults. Aims/Objectives: To examine if and how municipality-based occupational therapists (OTs) include ICT in their work, and which factors are associated with use of occupational therapy at a distance. Material and Methods: Survey study including 167 OTs. Data were presented descriptively. Associations were analysed by Chi2 test and logistic regression models. Results: Forty-eight percent of OTs used ICT once a month or more. OTs belief on possibilites to use ICT is associated with replacement of physical home visits. Managers expectations and support also seem to be important factors. Conclusion: ICT solutions are frequently used by OTs in home health care and can be considered complementing rather than replacing physical home visits. More knowledge is needed on when and how ICT solutions can be used by OTs and how factors that impact the use of ICT can be managed.