Roles of assistive devices for home care staff in Sweden: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose. To explore home care staff experiences in relation to assistive devices and the use of assistive device at work.

Method. Individual conversational interviews with 14 home care staff were used. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results. A broad meaning attached to the use of assistive devices at work emerged in three themes. In ‘staff's role at work in relation to assistive devices’, their different roles emerged in relation to knowledge and instruction as well as safeguarding the user. ‘Assistive devices as a product and their significance for staff’ showed that devices were an integrated part of staff work in the users' home. Devices influenced staff cooperation, feelings and were significant in relation to time and finance. Regarding ‘assistive devices and their significance for the user from the staff's perspective’, the staff felt that devices were a prerequisite for the user coping with everyday life and they also had an emotional significance.

Conclusion. Assistive devices play a significant and important role for home care staff. An increased understanding among prescribers and other health care staff about home care staff knowledge about, work with and experience from assistive devices could contribute to a better care and rehabilitation for home care recipients.

Keywords:

• Assistive devices
• home environment
• home care staff
• content analysis
• qualitative research
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgements

We thank the staff for their time and cooperation. This study was supported by grants from the Norrbacka-Eugenia foundation in Sweden and the School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.