JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Technology can be helpful in supporting people with dementia in their daily lives. However, people with dementia are often not fully involved in the development process of new technology. This lack of involvement of people with dementia in developing technology–based interventions can lead to the implementation of faulty and less suitable technology.

Objective:

This systematic review aims to evaluate current approaches, and create best practice guidelines for involving people with dementia in developing technology–based interventions.

Methods:

A systematic search was undertaken in January 2019 in the following databases: EMBASE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science. The search strategy included search terms in three categories: “dementia”, “technology”, and “involvement in development”. Narrative synthesis wove the evidence together in a structured approach.

Results:

Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies involved people with dementia in a single phase such as development (n = 10), feasibility and piloting (n = 7), or evaluation (n = 1). Only 3 studies described involvement in multiple phases. Frequent methods for involvement included focus groups, interviews, observations, and user tests.

Conclusions:

Most studies concluded it was both necessary and feasible to involve people with dementia, which can be optimised by having the right prerequisites in place, ensuring technology meets standards of reliability and stability, and by providing a positive research experience for participants. Best practice guidelines for the involvement of people with dementia in developing technology–based interventions are described.