gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: Distance caregiving arrangements, consisting of care receiver, the distance caregiver and informal or professional representative(s) of the local network (=triad), as well as technology providers, are under-researched in Germany. It is predominantly discussed in literature from English-speaking countries. Additionally, research did not yet focus on the demands of these actors and their interpersonal relations. Thus, this study fills a desideratum and adds conceptual understanding about the term distance caregiving.

Question and objective: Our objective is to develop a model for distance caregiving that includes recommendations for all actors to ensure the care arrangement’s reliability. To achieve this objective, we focus on three research questions:

1.

what are the actors’ attitudes, preferences, and needs?

2.

What enables the arrangement to function reliably to ensure autonomy and safety for all actors?

3.

What recommendation can we make for sustainable translation of the research findings?

Method: Due to rare research on this subject, we use a qualitative multi-method design by conducting guided and expert interviews with the distance caregiving triad (n=20) and representatives from technological research organizations (n=3). Additionally, structured observation takes place in the care receivers’ home settings. Phenomenological approach according to Mayring and results’ triangulation guide our analysis. Based on our findings, we will develop a final model on distance caregiving and an explanatory film, both adapted to care receivers’ different care levels. Using a participatory approach, we include study participants’ evaluation in the final model.

Results: We present first results in 2022.

Discussion: The interpersonal approach will lead to new insights into the actors’ demands in the distance caregiving arrangement. Study results can feed directly into practical care by disseminating the final model and the explanatory film among care receivers, caregivers and actors involved in health care and nursing care (e.g. self-help groups, outpatient care providers). Additionally, results can lead to more need-related supportive services and thus, all actors involved might use them more frequently.

Reflection (What are our challenges?): For our research, it is still necessary to define the term distance caregiving. Aspects such as geographical and temporal distance, effort required reaching the care receiver, and perceived distances will be considered. Moreover, regarding the interpersonal approach, we combine phenomenological analysis and triangulation, to develop a final model on distance caregiving with recommendations that are equally reliable for all actors involved.

Funding: Einzelförderung (BMG, DRV, BMBF, DFG, etc); 01GY2006