Research Topic:
In response to needs of older adults at the end-of-life and challenges in the recruitment and retention of health care providers in home care in the South West Community Care Access Center, a new and innovative model of home care, eShift, has been developed. The eShift model links unregulated providers (technicians) providing home care to a remotely-situated Directing Registered Nurse (DRN),
through a smart phone application using real-time communication and documentation technology. The DRN monitors and directs appropriate, safe, and effective care provided in collaboration with the technician in real-time, enhancing quality of care delivery for older adults and their family caregivers.
Findings:
Family caregivers reported a decrease in stress indicators prior to and during eShift care. At the point of receiving eShift, caregivers described the burden of care as being overwhelming. Without eShift, many participants stated they would have either had to pay for full time nuking care or would have sent their family member to hospital. Overall caregivers were very satisfied with eShift service and agreed that both they, and their family member/friend received the necessary care in a timely manner. Caregivers also strongly agreed that eShift allowed for their loved one to die in their place of choice Through the interviews, caregivers expressed great appreciation for the care provided and believed that eShift palliative care was instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes.
This project is supported by a team of researchers & led by co-principal investigators:
Lorie Donelle, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing and School of Health Studies, Western University. ldonelle@uwo.ca
Sandra Regan, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University. sregan4@uwo.ca
Suggested Citation:
Donelle, L., Regan, S. (2015, December). E-shift, an innovative home care model: Perceptions of care coordinators. Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing.