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Tribune News Network
Doha
The use of information and communications technology (ICT) to promote digital inclusion provides the foundation for a major new project of the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Working in collaboration with the University of Ottawa, the project will examine the use of ICT by older people and their caregivers in support of care-giving, independent living and social inclusion. The initiative will also identify barriers and highlight opportunities for greater digital inclusion and active participation in local communities. To assist, researchers will conduct semi-structured interviews in which participants will be able to describe their experience and use of ICT in their daily lives. Key findings and results will be analyzed by the Advisory Committee.
This first-of-its-kind project for Qatar will directly benefit academics, government departments and non-governmental organizations engaged in supporting older people and their caregivers. Local stakeholders include the Assisted Technology Center (Mada) and the Center for the Empowerment and Care of Older Persons (Ehsan), both of whom are engaged in the project through collaborative institutions. In addition to providing previously unobtainable insights, research directions are also expected to stimulate the exploration of relevant service design at government and industry level. As part of the launch of the project, Dr. Dena Al Thani, CSE Assistant Professor, said: “This project not only reflects the fact that older people are an integral part of the family unit in Qatar, but also that family members are increasingly expected to take on caring roles. While families willingly engage in this activity, the impact on the health and well-being of both parties is often overlooked. Studies have shown that family care is a demanding task, with 75% of carers experiencing depression and other psychological illnesses.
“Further research nevertheless demonstrates that older persons and caregivers stand to benefit from information and communication technologies that encourage daily and participative activities. Doing so not only reduces depression and isolation but also boosts confidence, self-esteem and the ability to better manage independent living in homecare settings. As things stand, research has primarily been conducted in Europe and North America. We’re looking forward to redressing the balance for the benefit of older persons and caregivers in Qatar and the wider region.”
For further information on the work of the College of Science and Engineering, please visit cse.hbku.edu.qa.
Doha
The use of information and communications technology (ICT) to promote digital inclusion provides the foundation for a major new project of the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Working in collaboration with the University of Ottawa, the project will examine the use of ICT by older people and their caregivers in support of care-giving, independent living and social inclusion. The initiative will also identify barriers and highlight opportunities for greater digital inclusion and active participation in local communities. To assist, researchers will conduct semi-structured interviews in which participants will be able to describe their experience and use of ICT in their daily lives. Key findings and results will be analyzed by the Advisory Committee.
This first-of-its-kind project for Qatar will directly benefit academics, government departments and non-governmental organizations engaged in supporting older people and their caregivers. Local stakeholders include the Assisted Technology Center (Mada) and the Center for the Empowerment and Care of Older Persons (Ehsan), both of whom are engaged in the project through collaborative institutions. In addition to providing previously unobtainable insights, research directions are also expected to stimulate the exploration of relevant service design at government and industry level. As part of the launch of the project, Dr. Dena Al Thani, CSE Assistant Professor, said: “This project not only reflects the fact that older people are an integral part of the family unit in Qatar, but also that family members are increasingly expected to take on caring roles. While families willingly engage in this activity, the impact on the health and well-being of both parties is often overlooked. Studies have shown that family care is a demanding task, with 75% of carers experiencing depression and other psychological illnesses.
“Further research nevertheless demonstrates that older persons and caregivers stand to benefit from information and communication technologies that encourage daily and participative activities. Doing so not only reduces depression and isolation but also boosts confidence, self-esteem and the ability to better manage independent living in homecare settings. As things stand, research has primarily been conducted in Europe and North America. We’re looking forward to redressing the balance for the benefit of older persons and caregivers in Qatar and the wider region.”
For further information on the work of the College of Science and Engineering, please visit cse.hbku.edu.qa.
