Routine Dimension The change to daily routine to fir with monitoring or remote mentoring is another significant factor to user perception of Telecare and obtrusive. In what way Telecare interfere with daily activities and what new ritual should be adopted to support effective utilisation of the technology?

Sustainability Dimension Users may have concerns about Telecare fitting their changing needs, over time, or the affordability of using the technology over long periods of time. How adaptable is the system? Can you add various ‘modules’ onto it over time? How will it be upgraded or updated and what are the on-going costs associated with the technology offered?

How would you use this person centred telecare assessment tool?

HENSEL, B. K., DEMIRIS, G. & COURTNEY, K. L. 2006. Defining Obtrusiveness in Home Telehealth Technologies: A Conceptual Framework. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 13, 428-431

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The terms obtrusiveness and/or intrusiveness are often noted in the Telecare literature to describe a key element in designing or assessing technological ‘user friendly’ solutions. This exercise gives you an opportunity to explore a 360° Obtrusiveness assessment tool based on a conceptual framework by Hensel et al (2006). Touch each assessment dimension to reveal further information.

Physical Dimension The physical aspect of Telecare technology is a critical assessment factor: Consider aspects such as noise or heat omitted from hardware, the size and the aesthetic feature of the technology and how it fits with the proposed positioning within the home. Can the technology be integrated into the home environment seamlessly or will it ‘stand out’?

Privacy Dimension The fear of invasion of privacy to personal information and space is seen as a core barrier to Telecare acceptance by home occupants. Question regarding the safeguarding of sensitive information, the control over transmission of data and the access rules must be carefully consider to alleviate concerns that the technology may reveal more than the user desires.

Usability Dimension For Telecare to be ‘useful’ it needs to fit the ability of the user: can users ‘operate’ the technology effectively -considering their physical or intellectual impermanent? Does the technology demands users to dedicate time to complete a specific task and is the user willing to accept it?

Function Dimension This dimension focuses on the value attached to the functionality of the device and the reliability of the technology. Does the functions offered by Telecare addresses the perceived needs and desired of users? Will it record and measure variables accurately and reliably?

Human Interaction Dimension The main focus here is on human to human interaction and concerns that Telecare will replace or substitute the relationships between users and providers of services. How does Telecare fit within a holistic package of care. Will there be ‘a person available to help in an emergency? Will there be an added demand on informal carers?

Self Concept Dimension The way clients perceived themselves (independent or otherwise) has a major bearing on accepting Telecare and adapting their home to accommodate. Can the technology be used to regain independence and maximise ability or will it be a reminder of a limiting disability? Is there a perception that having Telecare is an embarrassment and is there a risk that users be stigmatised by adopting their home to include Assistive Technologies?

Consider the sequence needed for a systematic assessment of Telecare obtrusiveness: Is there a category that should be explored with the ‘client’ or service user as a first priority? Which is the dimension of least significance to Telecare users? – Sharon Levy