Bringing the home into the hospital: Assisting the pre-discharge home visit process using 3D home visualization software

Abstract

The feasibility of using interactive 3D home visualization software (I3DHVS) as a tool to aid Occupational Therapists (OTs) in carrying out pre-discharge home visits (PDHV) is explored. Three focus groups involving 25 OTs from across the UK were carried out. Participants were asked to report their level of experience with Information Technology (IT) and gaming software. After a demonstration of the I3DHVS OTs were asked to discuss where, when, how and by whom this software may potentially be used, and to identify associated strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of use within the specified contacts. A thematic template analysis was then carried out on the transcribed focus group data which focused on two key Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) criteria which mediate users' behavioral intention and actual use of new technologies: (1) the Perceived Usefulness (PU) of the software within the PDHV process; (2) the Perceived Ease of Use (PEoU) of the software. The results revealed that although a number of adaptations to the existing application may be necessary, OTs are optimistic about the use of I3DHVS with a range of patient groups. The tool was also seen to have the potential to improve communication and collaboration across inter-agency care teams. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.