Living and ageing with cognitive impairments and chronic diseases in the technological landscapes of homes and public places - an international perspective

Purpose/rationale: The use of everyday technology is mounting and naturally incorporated into people’s daily life. Peoples’ activity and participation is influenced by the access to and ability to use of everyday... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose/rationale: The use of everyday technology is mounting and naturally incorporated into people’s daily life. Peoples’ activity and participation is influenced by the access to and ability to use of everyday technology (e.g. cell phones, household equipment, cash machines, and tablets). For people with cognitive impairments and people living with chronic diseases, the ability to use everyday technologies, including e-health technologies, is also important for monitoring and/or compensating for their disease and impairments, and may become a prerequisite for activity and participation. But still occupational therapists rarely address such areas of daily life systematically in evaluation or intervention. The workshop will address these issues from international perspectives.

Objectives: After the workshop the participant will be able to: (1) Reflect upon the influence of everyday technology in homes and public places for the target group of his/her practice, (2) Reflect upon challenges concerning activity and participation and everyday technology from international perspectives, (3) Know about current international research in occupational therapy in this area, and reflect upon how this can be implemented into his/her practice to support evidence-based intervention planning.
Format: The teaching methods will be interactive sessions based upon open-space methodology, using: (1) Introductory trigger lectures (2) Structured small group discussions with feedback, and (3) Final panel discussion. The panel members and trigger lecturers will serve as facilitators for a shared knowledge translation among the participants.
Intended participants: This workshop is suitable for 50 participants and targets aspects of relevance for practice, education and research.