14 EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SAFETY MONITORING DEVICES ON CARE WORK AND PROCESSES IN JAPANESE NURSING HOMES

Abstract Background Although the impact of new technology on workplace has been discussed for many years, little reported regarding effect in nursing homes. The aim research was to test a safety monitoring device night-time work patterns. Methods A sensor with an infrared camera installed Tokyo-based residential homes April 2020. pre/post intervention and observation study conducted before after introduction device. Four care professionals worked each night pairs (one person providing care, other observing keeping minute-by-minute records task time allocated task. tasks were divided into 33 items). data collected by two at three different nights pre-intervention from post-intervention. Ten participated study, they looking 30 older adults (86.8 +/- 6.8 years old). Results total executing various marginally increased 978 mins 1033 mins. However, statistically significant changes found mainly among items related medical safety. While nurse call response decreased significantly, proportion personal such as vital checks (from 1 2 percent) mobility 4 9 assistance doubled. Break also significantly. Conclusion system did not radically reduce workload, it changed patterns caregiving during shift. Some behavioural directly caused functions system, while others by-products. Staff’s break length increased. findings suggest that Information Communication Technology (ICT) potential release care.