Running Head: CRITICAL ANAYLIS OF RESEARCH

Critical Analysis of Research Study Connie Avina California State University, Monterey Bay

IST 520 Learning Theories Professor Lockwood February 4, 2014

CRITICAL ANAYLIS OF RESEARCH Critical Analysis Introduction The article I choose to analyze is a descriptive research study on the

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implementation of technology devices for older adults with chronic health conditions. This study was published in 2008 as part of, Proceeding of 10th ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computer & Accessibility (ASSETS 2008). Titled, Technology Devices for Older Adults to Aid Self Management of Chronic Health Conditions, the authors Amritpal S. Bhachu, Nicolas A. Hine and John L. Arnott, researchers at the School of Computing at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom, brought together a focus group to gain insight in the feedback of older adults having mobile assistive technology available to them. The purpose of this study was to collect the opinions and feeling of older adult that would have access to devices that could be used to self-manage health conditions. A Telecare system, which is a system installed in homes to provide health monitoring, was looking to enhance the experience for older adults in self-managing their chronic conditions. The usability of devices and feasibility of use where examined by a panel of older adults. Telecare systems in homes aid social care professionals and with the population of older adults on the rise, the likelihood of having enough caretakers is under pressure. The need to create self-management systems for adults with chronic health conditions is a project the School of Computing will bring forward to the Telecare investors. There were three main questions being investigated in this research study. Those questions were clearly stated as: What kind of display device is preferred for the output of health data for older adults?

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What is an appropriate amount of health data for an older adult to be exposed to, and in what form should this data be represented?

Are there any concerns about older adults having access to their real-time health data?

The Telecare system is introduces as having layers, which they would like to build upon to continue to allow older adults to live enjoyable lives. Their layers include emergency response systems, sensor-monitoring alarms, and finally predictive care systems. With data being collected by the Telecare system about every user, providing a mobile technology device for older adults is introduces in a positive way as a method to become self-mangers of their own health conditions. Concerns are brought up about the age, length of conditions, proper diagnosis or the inability that some people may encounter to not become self-supporting. The need for development of such tools to the market is supported with statistic not just within the United Kingdom population of older adults on the rise but also the statistic of the United States spending on chronic diseases. Projections of bringing in self-awareness and self-management devices to decrease the trend of spending and aid in chronic diseases is presented with an optimistic viewpoint from the researchers. Research Procedures The method of collecting data was designed in a workshop setting. A group of older adults ranging in age from sixty to eighty years old were apart of the focus group. Theses older adults differed in education and working background. Some had basic computer skills; others had no computer skill at all. The subjects undeniably represented the larger target population that would need these tools. The study location and workshop

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design were broken down into two parts that were easy to follow. All tools used to gather data and analyze it after the workshop was included in the research article. Each device presented was clearly labeled and the mock graphs used in the study to emphasize usability were also discussed. The questions asked to encourage dialogue amongst the participants were also included in each section of the workshop. Participants wrote in and openly discussed their opinions in groups throughout the whole recorded session. A Grounded Theory and Thematic Coding approach was used throughout the analysis of workshop materials (Bhachu, Hine Arnott). The ability to replicate this study is achievable. Research Results The data collection was analyzed with the use of appropriate tools such as computer software to convert dual recordings for easier coding. Throughout the workshop subject had their own notepads to contribute to, as well as a collaborate flip chart, allowing for organic thoughts to be captured. Each coded term was derived from the responses to the investigation of those initial research questions focusing on the usability and feasibility of self-management devices. Discussion Through the analysis of their findings, the data positively supports their interest in pursuing mobile management systems for older adults. The study provides insight into the needs, strengths, weaknesses, and interested of the target populations. Their data provides solid information for future researchers interested in designing or developing mobile device tools for older adults not just those willing to take control of managing their chronic health conditions, but perhaps older adults interested in managing their

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current lifestyle as well. The study captured rich feedback on portable device for this age group that otherwise would not have cared for such technology.

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Reference Bhachu, A., Hine, N., & Arnott, J. (2008, October). Technology devices for older adults to aid self management of chronic health conditions. Retrieved from http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1414471.1414484