Self-Selection of Bathroom-Assistive Technology: Development of an Electronic Decision Support System (Hygiene 2.0).

BACKGROUND: A clinical algorithm (Algo) in paper form is used in Quebec, Canada, to allow health care workers other than occupational therapists (OTs) to make bathroom adaptation recommendations for older adults. An integrated knowledge transfer process around Algo suggested an electronic version of this decision support system (electronic decision support system [e-DSS]) to be used by older adults and their caregivers in search of information and solutions for their autonomy and safety in the bathroom. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) create an e-DSS for the self-selection of bathroom-assistive technology by community-dwelling older adults and their caregivers and (2) assess usability with lay users and experts to improve the design accordingly. METHODS: On the basis of a user-centered design approach, the process started with content identification for the prototype through 7 semistructured interviews with key informants of various backgrounds (health care providers, assistive technology providers, and community services) and 4 focus groups (2 with older adults and 2 with caregivers). A thematic content transcript analysis was carried out and used during the creation of the prototype. The prototype was refined iteratively using think-aloud and observation methods with a clinical expert (n=1), researchers (n=3), OTs (n=3), older adults (n=3), and caregivers (n=3), who provided information on the usability of the e-DSS. RESULTS: Overall, 4 themes served as the criteria for the prototype of the electronic Algo (Hygiene 2.0 [H2.0]): focus (safety, confidentiality, well-being, and autonomy), engage, facilitate (simplify, clarify, and illustrate), and access. For example, users first pay attention to the images (engage and illustrate) that can be used to depict safe postures (safety), illustrate questions embedded in the decision support tool (clarify and illustrate), and demonstrate the context of the use of assistive technology (safety and clarify). CONCLUSIONS: The user-centered design of H2.0 allowed the cocreation of an e-DSS in the form of a website, in line with the needs of community-dwelling older adults and their caregivers seeking bathroom-assistive technology that enables personal hygiene. Each iteration improved usability and brought more insight into the users' realities, tailoring the e-DSS to the implementation context.

Contribution of the pivot nurse in oncology to the experience of receiving a diagnosis of cancer by the patient and their loved ones.

The announcement of a cancer diagnosis represents a difficult situation for the patient, their loved ones and professionals (Reich, Vennin & Belkacémie, 2008). Until now, few studies have described nurses' contribution to this critical moment along the care trajectory (Tobin, 2012) and even fewer, the contribution of the pivot nurse in oncology (OPN) or infirmière pivot en oncologie (PNO) as this specialist is called in Quebec. This study aims to document the OPN's contribution to the cancer experience of the patient and their loved ones, from the time the diagnosis is communicated to the period immediately following (four to six weeks). Fourteen PNOs from a Montreal university health centre took part in two individual interviews. Results show that PNOs offer personalized support which draws on their expertise to better understand the experience lived by patients and their loved ones, and adapt their interventions according to their needs and the timing of these interventions. These results support issuing three recommendations for nursing practice in the areas of PNOs; development of expertise, interprofessional collaboration and environment.