The values of welfare technologies in FoU i Väst/Göteborgsregionens kommunalförbund – efficient care and sustainable work life, or a distant care and surveilled employees?
Short description
The introduction of welfare technology is central issue in elderly care. But how are staff affected by the introduction of new technology? And what values and expectations about welfare, care work and technology different groups of personnel voice when talking about welfare technologies?
Welfare technology can be many different things, such as door sensors, robot cats and various digital documentation systems and mobile applications. Welfare technology can increase the quality and effectiveness of care, but there is also a concern that technology will replace human relationships, increase surveillance, and even make employees redundant.
Based on interviews and observations, this project investigates how staff in elderly care are affected by and interact with welfare technology when it is introduced in their workplaces. During the project, I will hold workshops with employees, users and politicians and write scientific articles. The project is expected to contribute with new practical knowledge about the employees' perspectives on introduction of welfare technology.