Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Aging
Date Submitted: Jan 16, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 21, 2019 - Mar 11, 2019
Date Accepted: May 14, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
A web-based mobile application with a smart watch to support social engagement in persons with memory loss: a pilot randomized controlled trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
It is estimated that the number of individuals living with dementia worldwide will increase from 50 million in 2017 to 152 million by 2050. Assistive technology has been recognized as a promising tool to improve the lives of persons living with dementia and their caregivers. The use of assistive technology in dementia care is expanding, although it is most often intended to manage care and promote safety. There is a lack of assistive technology designed to aid persons with dementia in participating in meaningful activities.
Objective:
The present study utilizes a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effects of an assistive technology device, the Social Support Aid (SSA). The SSA is designed to assist persons with memory loss engage in social interaction.
Methods:
Persons with memory loss were randomized to the SSA (n=20) or the usual care control group (n=28). Quantitative data were collected at three timepoints (baseline, 3-months, and 6-months) and participants in the technology group participated in qualitative interviews following completion of their 6-month survey.
Results:
Participant eligibility, willingness to be randomized, and retention were not barriers to conducting a full-scale RCT; however, recruitment strategies should be addressed before doing so. Feasibility and utility scores indicated that participants felt neutral about the technology. Use of the Social Support Aid was not statistically significantly associated with changes in quality of social interactions or quality of life measures over the six months of follow-up (P > .05). The qualitative analysis revealed three themes that described how and why the SSA worked or did not: (1) outcomes (2) reasons why (not) useful and (3) recommendations.
Conclusions:
There is a need to develop effective assistive technology that improves the quality of life of persons with dementia. Assistive technology that allows persons living with dementia to maintain some level of autonomy should be a priority for future research. The present study suggests reasons why the Social Support Aid facial recognition software did not improve the quality of social interaction and quality of life of people with memory loss. Results also provide recommendations for future assistive technology development and evaluation. Clinical Trial: NCT03645694
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