JMIR Publications

Background:

Digital technology in dementia is an area of huge development with different experiences among countries. Novel digital solutions, however, often lack a patient-oriented perspective, and relevant barriers prevent their use in clinics.

Objective:

In this study, we reviewed the existing literature on knowledge, familiarity, and competence in using digital technology, and on attitude and experience with digital tools in Alzheimer’s disease. The main research question is whether digital competence and attitude of patients and caregivers may affect the adoption of digital technology.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted by two researchers of the group. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with Cohen’s Kappa statistics. Risk of bias assessment was recorded.

Results:

From 597 initial records, only 18 papers were considered eligible. Analyses of inter-rater reliability showed good agreement levels. High heterogeneity in study design, sample features and measurement tools emerged across studies. Quality assessment of evidence showed a middle-high overall quality. The main factors affecting the adoption of digital technology in patients and caregivers are severity of cognitive deficits, timing of adoption of digital technology, and availability of training and support. Additional factors are age, type of digital device, and easiness of use of the digital solution.

Conclusions:

Adoption of digital technology in dementia is hampered by many patient-related barriers. Improving digital competence in patient/caregiver dyad and implementing a systematic patient-oriented strategy for the development and use of digital tools are needed for a successful incorporation of digital technology in memory clinics.