JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As a reaction to the global demographic increase in older adults (60+), policymakers call for initiatives to enable healthy aging. This includes a focus on person-centered care and access to long-term care for older adults developing different services and digital health technologies. This can enable patients to engage in their health and reduce the burden on the healthcare systems, and healthcare professionals. The EU project SMILE focuses on well-being and aging in place using new digital health technologies. SMILE uses a co-creational approach to focus on the needs, and preferences of older adults in technology development, to enhance access, adaption, and usability, and to reduce stigma. The objective of this study is to describe the perspectives, needs, and preferences of older adults living with COPD in the process of designing and developing a conversational agent.

Objective:

to describe the perspective, needs, and preferences of older adults living with COPD in the context of the design and development of a conversational agent.

Methods:

This study carries out a data-driven thematic analysis of interview data from eleven co-creation workshops with 32 older adults living with COPD.

Results:

The workshop participants were interested in three specific areas or functions to implement in a new technology; a ‘my health' function, to using technology to manage and learn more about their condition, a ‘daily activities’ function which should include an overview and information about social and physical activities in their local area, and a ‘sleep’ function, to manage circadian rhythm, and enhance sleep quality e.g., through online video guides. Two overarching themes were identified for the three functions, measurements, which was actively discussed and received mixed interest among the participants and health literacy, due to an overall interest in learning more about their condition, in relation to everyday life.

Conclusions:

The future design of digital health technology must embrace the complexities of the everyday life of an older adult living with COPD and cater to their needs and preferences. Measurements should be optional and personalized, and digital solutions should be utilized as a supplement to healthcare professionals, not a substitute.