Objective: Develop a protocol for a multi-media profile which accurately captures profiles of individuals and provides useful and acceptable information to better meet their needs over time ,delaying the onset of disabling conditions, long term care or hospitalization.
Design: Lack of individual care and poor institutional practices are endemic in services for older people. This is particularly the case for older people with dementia. When once diagnosed, a social process can be initiated which increasingly excludes them from decisions about their own care. Tom Kitwood (1993) has described the social psychological factors operating and it has led to developments such as dementia care mapping which attempt to counter this process. Multi-media profiling would be a method of ensuring information goes with the individual through the care system and that their views on their own care are available. This would be initially gathered following diagnosis, but this does not preclude updates at a later point. The interactive nature of the medium would engage staff and older people in this process and their views would be key in developing a protocol.
Materials and Methods: This is a pilot study; ten patients' multi-media profiles are being produced on CD-ROM following initial videos of semi-structured interviews.
Results: The development of the semi-structured interview is described, and examples will be shown of multi-media profiles.
Conclusion: The potential of using a live-action CD is enormous. While the project is in its very early stages, it is hoped that the emotive power of a moving image - in essence a testament to each individual - will help maintain simple human dignity. It will also help provide a very real sense of who they are in the minds of carers, health and social care professionals.
Back to S021 New Technology and New Possibilities
Back to The Eleventh International Congress