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Table 12 Typical facilitation activities performed with or for users

From: Keep in Touch (KIT): feasibility of using internet-based communication and information technology in palliative care

Orientate/Encourage

• Assess interests/needs

• Help with login

• Sit with patient while he accesses email; remove distracting pop-ups for him

• Drop-in and scheduled visits offering assistance

• Orientate family member to iPad buttons, icons, finger sweeping, pinch

Teach/Demonstrate

• Suggested Google phone to enable and save on long distances costs

• Demonstrate how to use iPad or laptop

• Orientating user to Skype screen, making a test call, orientating to screen icons during call, and problem-solving how to obtain skype handles for people for whom contact information is not known

• Demonstrate use of YouTube to listen to favourite singer

• Demonstrate use of front and back camera and where pictures stored

• Download games (e.g., Solitaire, Angry Birds) and show user how to play

• Teach how to use “home” button

• Provide general knowledge of how Facebook works

• Taught how to send and receive email

Help

• Bookmark favourite websites

• Install free Apps and software customized to users’ hobbies or interests (e.g., apps to run MIDI piano keyboard from iPad)

• Sign in to email and other accounts

• Set up email link on desktop with automatic login

• Physically assist patient to move laptop to overbed table, login, and go to eBay

Set-up/Maintain

• Install standard Apps and software

• Exchange different types of equipment according to user needs (e.g., exchange wireless for wired mouse)

• Computer “cleaning” to recharge, disinfect and delete all personal information, photos, and browsing history

• Work with OT to find appropriate supports for iPad to accommodate patient’s physical constraints

• Download users’ pictures to USB for safekeeping

• Customized font and display for easier reading

• Prepare and test equipment to help family bring a wedding into patient’s room via Skype

• Set background on desktop to match user interests (e.g., miniature schnauzers)

• Create new accounts (e.g., Skype, Gmail, Facetime)

• Update apps and software