Northern Territory practitioners views on the use of Information and Communication Technology to improve the quality of life of carers and people with dementia

Objective: This study investigated the use patterns and attitudes of practitioners in dementia and/or carer service agencies in relation to using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and carers. Method: In this descriptive, exploratory study, a purposive snowball sample of 61 practitioners working in dementia and/or carer service agencies in the " Top End " of the Northern Territory were administered a questionnaire focusing on ICT: access, knowledge, awareness, learning, opportunities and skills. Results: Practitioners in the sample frequently used technology for general tasks like e-mail but rarely for the formal therapeutic purposes that, according to professional literature, might be useful. Discussion: Practitioners in agencies have a crucial role to play promoting the digital inclusion of carers and people with dementia. In the Northern Territory this role needs to be further developed at the theory, research and practice levels.