A feasibility study of enhancing independent task performance for people with cognitive impairments through use of a handheld location-based prompting system

Towards Designing Mobile Apps for Independent Travel

Performing daily independent activities can be a challenge for people with Down's Syndrome (DS). This article investigates how to better support these activities with smart devices based on three cycles of a collaborative participatory action research (PAR) process. The first cycle involved semi-structured interviews ( n = 4 ) with parents and an online survey ( n = 39 ) with people with DS and their parents to explore barriers and opportunities for independent activities. This cycle highlighted that travelling independently was a common challenge among discussed barriers to independent activities for young adults with DS, an issue that smart devices have the potential to overcome. The second cycle involved seven focus group discussions ( n = 20 ) with parents ( n = 13 ) and young adults with DS ( n = 7 ) for gaining deeper insights into barriers to independent travel. We explored key barriers to independent travel and gathered design requirements for smartphone apps to overcome these barriers. In the third cycle, we designed a digital prototype based on participant recommendations and conducted seven focus group meetings ( n = 19 ) with caregivers ( n = 12 ) and individuals with DS ( n = 7 ). This final cycle reviewed the proposed digital prototype and validated the key barriers found in the second cycle. Overall, our studies confirmed that mobile technology can support people with DS in performing daily life activities that increase social inclusion. The studies resulted in identified barriers and requirements along with co-designed solutions for independent travel apps.

Technology options to help people with dementia or acquired cognitive impairment perform multistep daily tasks: a scoping review

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review studies that evaluated technology-based prompting systems for supporting participants with dementia or acquired cognitive impairment in their performance of multistep daily tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was conducted to identify eligible studies through a search of four electronic databases, that is, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Findings

The search, which covered the 2010–2020 period, led to the identification of 1,311 articles, 30 of which were included in the review. These articles evaluated six different types of prompting systems: context-aware, automatic computer prompting, context-aware, mediated computer prompting, teleoperated robot prompting, self-operated augmented reality prompting, self-operated computer or tablet prompting and time-based (preset) computer, tablet or smartphone prompting.

Originality/value

Technology-aided prompting to help people with dementia or acquired cognitive impairment perform relevant multistep daily tasks is considered increasingly important. This review provides a picture of the different prompting options available and of their level of readiness for application in daily contexts.

The potential of technology for enhancing individual placement and support supported employment

TOPIC

The potential of technology to enhance delivery and outcomes of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment.

PURPOSE

IPS supported employment has demonstrated robust success for improving rates of competitive employment among individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Still, a majority of those with serious mental illnesses are not employed (Bond, Drake, & Becker, 2012). The need to promote awareness of IPS and expand services is urgent. In this study, we describe ways that technologies may enhance delivery of IPS supported employment across the care continuum and stakeholder groups. Directions for research are highlighted.

SOURCES USED

published literature, clinical observations, IPS learning collaborative.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Technology has the potential to enhance direct service as well as workflow in the IPS supported employment process, which may lead to improved fidelity and client outcomes. Mobile and cloud technologies open opportunities for collaboration, self-directed care, and ongoing support to help clients obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Research is needed to evaluate efficacy of technology-based approaches for promoting client employment outcomes, to identify provider and organization barriers to using technology for IPS delivery, and to determine effective strategies for implementing technology with IPS in different settings and with diverse client audiences.

An augmented reality (AR)-based vocational task prompting system for people with cognitive impairments

This study assessed the possibility of training three people with cognitive impairments using an augmented reality (AR)-based task prompting system. Using AR technology, the system provided picture cues, identified incorrect task steps on the fly, and helped users make corrections. Based on a multiple baseline design, the data showed that the three participants considerably increased their target response, which improved their vocational job skills during the intervention phases and enabled them to maintain the acquired job skills after intervention. The practical and developmental implications of the results are discussed.