Use of Antivibration Technology to Reduce Demands for In-Home Nursing Care and Support in Rural Settings for Persons with Essential Tremors: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how antivibration gloves can help people with essential tremors live more independently, potentially reducing the need for in-home nursing care in rural areas.

Contribution

The study introduces insights into how antivibration technology can reduce reliance on healthcare workers in rural settings for individuals with essential tremors.

Findings

Nurses believe the Steadiwear glove can reduce support needs for daily living activities.

The technology may delay or prevent the need for long-term care facility transitions.

Rural healthcare workers see potential for the glove to alleviate system demands.

Abstract

Introduction: With the increased integration of technologies in the healthcare sector, it is important to understand the benefits emerging technologies may play to reduce demands on the health care system. The Steadiwear antivibration glove shows promise for enhancing the independence in functional abilities for persons with essential tremors and for alleviating the need for support from the health care system. The objective of this study was to examine Registered Nurses’ (RN) perceptions of the potential for the Steadiwear antivibration glove to reduce the need for in-person support from community healthcare workers. Methods: Eleven RNs, experienced in providing care in rural communities, participated in a semi-structured interview sharing their perspectives towards use of the Steadiwear antivibration glove in community practice settings. Thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke was undertaken. Results: Nurses described the value of this technology to reduce client needs for support for activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, feeding) and independent activities of daily living (e.g., banking, transportation). Conclusions: Enhanced access to this technology may reduce the need for nursing and personal care support from the health system. Therefore the Steadiwear antivibration glove also shows potential to delay and/or prevent the need for more intensive support and mitigate the need for transition to a long-term care facility.

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