Reducing isolation with health technology
Telstra Health were interested in how elderly and disabled people are addressing the deep issues of social isolation that come with ‘being in care’.
We worked with Telstra to design and conduct a research project with health care clients living in regional Queensland, to inform the design and development of new digital products to combat depression that arises from social isolation.
With a particular focus on what role technology plays—or could play—in alleviating this social isolation.
Conversations in the community
To investigate this problem, we interviewed a range of elderly and disabled people in different living situations in the town of Toowoomba (a regional centre in Queensland, Australia).
In conversations about their healthcare, their technology use, their families and their lives, we uncovered insights regarding technology & accessibility, the importance of the moments of transition in care (especially health ‘milestones’) in affecting social isolation, and the importance of feeling independent whatever the current living situation.
We analysed the research collaboratively with Telstra Health so that we could design a strategy together.
Interestingly, age did not seem to be a factor in determining whether people used technology. Instead, a range of other factors, including living situation and family support were far more important in terms of determining the successful integration of technology into someone’s life.
Outcomes
- The research was used by Telstra to form a social inclusion strategy for their MyCareManager product, which included patient-focused training and support.
- A summarised version of our research findings is available on Medium.
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Paper Giant acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and the Ngunnawal people as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our offices are located, and the Traditional Owners of Country on which we meet and work throughout Australia. We recognise that sovereignty over the land has never been ceded, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.