Digital kompetens - Äldreomsorgspersonals upplevelser av en digitaliserad arbetsplats
ArbetsvetenskapHuman work science - generalDatavetenskapComputer science - informaticsSamhällsvetenskapSocial sciences - educationWorkplacesParticipationDigital literacyDigitizationInformation technologyLifelong learningElderly care
This study highlights the importance of computer technology and its impact on
elder care staff's skills development in the public sector. The government
presents the digital agenda within which information and communication
technology today is considered to have a potential for sustainability, growth
and development. According to the EU Commission, there are several important
elements that should be improved to digitize the workplace. Among these are
digital literacy, collaboration between agencies and increased investments in
research, education and innovation. New technology can be understood in
different ways by individuals, some see the computer as something positive and
exciting, while others may find it hard to see the opportunities for learning
and development. The aim of this study is to explore how nursing assistants
perceive the digitization in senior care and what factors influence their
learning and digital skills. The method used was a qualitative study in which
four semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with informants from
different areas such as nursing homes and assisted living within the
municipality. Through a hermeneutic research approach, interviews have been
conducted, compared and finally interpreted. Focus has been on how the
informants experiences the investigated phenomenon. The results show that
elderly employees are experiencing the computer in different ways regardless of
age. It also shows that an inner willingness and openness to learn something
new is of great importance. To ease the individual's digital skills requires
several interacting factors. It requires usage of resources, education and
participation. Through increased resources in terms of finances and time to
learn something new, the individual's professional development is empowered.
Another factor is education in both group and individual to get a better
understanding of the digital skills required. Participation is also considered
as a factor which can enhance the individual's lifelong learning, active
participation and motivation to improve skills in the elderly care. In summary,
three of four informants thinks that the computer is as a good source for
dialogue and knowledge sharing, information and communication can become
clearer, and more efficient by using the computer as a tool in the workplace.
However, they maintained that the more human interaction, face to face, is the
one that works best.