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BACKGROUND: There has been significant growth in communication technologies. However, it is unknown to what extent RACFs accommodate such technologies. AIM: To explore the use and availability of communication technologies for use by residents within RACFs in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: A descriptive, structured telephone survey. Every 10th alphabetically listed facility from a total sample of n = 462 were telephoned and staff were invited to complete the survey. RESULTS: Forty-one out of a total of 93 RACFs completed the survey. The telephone was by far the primary form of communication used by residents to communicate with family and friends (n = 40; 97.6%). Conversely, the use of web-connection communication software (Skype or similar) was uncommon. CONCLUSION: The use and availability of communication technologies is limited within RACFs, highlighting a significant lag in the uptake within the sector.
Moyle et al. (Wed,) studied this question.