Affiliations: [a] Centre for Nursing Research, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Enschede, The Netherlands | [b] Software Company and Development: Coachend Zorgen, Auger BV, Deventer, The Netherlands | [c] Care Organisation for People with Intellectual Disabilities: De Lichtenvoorde, Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands | [d] The Technology, Health and Care Lectorate, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands | [e] Expertise Centre Technology in Care, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Yvonne J.F. Kerkhof, Centre for Nursing Research, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Handelskade 75, 7417 DH Deventer, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 612373111; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clients with intellectual disabilities benefit from a fixed daily structure due to difficulties in remembering appointments and in performing daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To develop a memory application to structure and support daily activities for clients with intellectual disabilities that contribute to independence and to provide a clear insight into the developmental process of the application. METHODS: A ‘participatory design’ (two development cycles) was used to understand users’ needs, wishes, and abilities regarding structure and support of daily activities. Using a pre- and post-test design, two pilots (n= 14) took place in a ‘real life setting’ to evaluate usability of the application and gather data for further development using observations and interviews. RESULTS: The pilots showed that the application has the potential to contribute to the independence of clients, e.g. less control needed regarding daily structure offered by formal carers. This was most evident in the last pilot because of the improved ease of use, the added value perceived by clients and formal carers and the increased focus on the implementation of the application in the care process. CONCLUSIONS: For successful integration of the memory application in the care process, well-defined personal goals of clients in the care plan are needed and carers should act according to these goals. Further research is necessary to examine the generalisation of findings.
