Feasibility, benefits and challenges of using telemonitoring for the aging with Developmental Disabilities (DD): An exploratory study

Authors

  • Priya Nambisan University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
  • Donna Lamkin Center for Disability Services 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208
  • Carrie DeLong Center for Disability Services 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v6i2.5460

Abstract

Telemonitoring is being increasingly used to provide services to patients with developmental disabilities in residential community settings. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility, benefits and challenges of using telemonitoring for aging patients with developmental disabilities. We also assess the benefits and challenges of telemonitoring for the caregivers of these patients. Focus groups and questionnaire-based surveys were used to collect data from patients and caregivers. The study found that telemonitoring was feasible and beneficial for the aging with developmental disabilities, albeit for those who are moderate to high functioning. It was not beneficial or feasible for those with very low functional capabilities. The study found that telemonitoring was beneficial towards providing more independence, more self-confidence in carrying out daily activities, and more knowledge regarding their disease. The study also found that telemonitoring was useful for caregivers to better understand their patients and their needs, better coordinate the services delivered, and to enhance the satisfaction of caregiving. The discussions include limitations of using quantitative methods in this type of setting.

Telemonitoring is being increasingly used to provide services to patients with developmental disabilities in residential community settings. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility, benefits and challenges of using telemonitoring for aging patients with developmental disabilities. We also assess the benefits and challenges of telemonitoring for the caregivers of these patients. Focus groups and questionnaire-based surveys were used to collect data from patients and caregivers. The study found that telemonitoring was feasible and beneficial for the aging with developmental disabilities, albeit for those who are moderate to high functioning. It was not beneficial or feasible for those with very low functional capabilities. The study found that telemonitoring was beneficial towards providing more independence, more self-confidence in carrying out daily activities, and more knowledge regarding their disease. The study also found that telemonitoring was useful for caregivers to better understand their patients and their needs, better coordinate the services delivered, and to enhance the satisfaction of caregiving.


Author Biographies

Priya Nambisan, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Informatics and Administration,
College of Health Sciences

Donna Lamkin, Center for Disability Services 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208

Chief Program Officer

Carrie DeLong, Center for Disability Services 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208

RN

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Published

2014-10-16

How to Cite

Nambisan, P., Lamkin, D., & DeLong, C. (2014). Feasibility, benefits and challenges of using telemonitoring for the aging with Developmental Disabilities (DD): An exploratory study. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v6i2.5460

Issue

Section

Original Articles