Technological Dependency: A Preliminary Model and Pilot of Home Total Parental Nutrition

Abstract

As hospital costs increase and durations of hospital stays decrease, clients are being discharged to home care in more acute states and often with demands for high technology therapy. To assist in understanding the experiences families face in adapting to either short- or long-term dependence on technology, a model was developed from literature and research review. The literature review suggested that self-care practices affected each of the family members' adaptation. The model was developed to indicate self-care issues and problems impacting adaptation to high technology at home. A pilot study was conducted to determine if interviews and questionnaires would collect data necessary to test the model. This article describes the pilot study results. Data indicated that relationships and role changes did occur after the family became technologically dependent. Also, although depression and anxiety were common responses, the family members felt capable and successful in their caregiving roles.