Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47786

JaLCDOI : 10.14943/53165

KEYWORDS : diffusion of innovation;chasm;medical care;home-ventilators;communication

Based on the technological progress of science, new medical developments have contributed to improve the QOL of ventilator-dependent people. By providing medical care, however, their family-caregivers are endangered to suffer burn-out syndrome. The enrichment of respite care facilities and medical/nursing services for the family is needed. Under the condition of the Medical Act, which restricts certain medical procedures by people except doctors, the Social Workers and Welfare Carers Act has been modified so that their range of care can improve the lack of home care services. Welfare carers are able to perform several medical procedures, e.g. suctioning and tube feeding. Recently, a part of medical care has been provided by teachers at special need schools under nurses' supervision, which implies rapid diffusion of medical care in school settings as well as in the community. This research aims to describe the impact of diffusion of medical technology in the community, using Rogers' diffusion model and Moore's chasm theory. Concentrate model and spread model of technology were found. Mutual communication with science technology communicators' mediation seemed to be a key to solve the information gap between professionals and lay persons.