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Koh WQ, Heins P, Flynn A, Mahmoudi Asl A, Garcia L, Malinowsky C, Brorsson A. Bridging gaps in the design and implementation of socially assistive technologies for dementia care: the role of occupational therapy. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:595-603. [PMID: 35972877 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a global health challenge, and people living with dementia (PLWD) are especially susceptible to reduced engagement in meaningful occupations, including social participation. In the past few decades, socially assistive technologies continue to be developed amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape to support the social health of PLWD and their caregivers. Examples include social robots, virtual reality, smart home technology, and various digital technologies, such as mobile applications for tablets and smartphones. Despite an increasing body of research and interest in this field, several gaps relating to the design and implementation process of socially assistive technologies continue to undermine their relevance for PLWD in daily life. In this paper, some of these gaps are highlighted and the role of occupational therapy in the design and implementation of socially assistive technology is presented. In the design process, occupational therapists are uniquely skilled to advise and advocate for the tailoring and personalisation of technology to address the occupational needs of PLWD. In the implementation of socially assistive technologies, occupational therapists are skilled to educate, train, and conduct ongoing evaluations with PLWD and their caregivers, to incorporate socially assistive technologies into their routine and daily lives. We recommend that occupational therapists should continue to be acquainted with such technologies through continuous professional development and educational curricula. Moreover, we highlight the necessary collaboration between occupational therapists, technology developers, and researchers to enhance the process of designing and implementing socially assistive technology, so that their relevance for PLWD and their caregivers can be maximised.Implications for rehabilitationDevelopers and designers of socially assistive technology should consider the disease trajectory of different types of dementia, as well as the different needs, abilities, preferences, occupations and routines of people living with dementia (PLWD) and/or their caregivers.Collaborations between technology developers, researchers, and occupational therapists should take place iteratively throughout the process of designing and implementing socially assistive technology to maximise their relevance and applicability for people living with dementia and their caregivers.To continue enhancing the current role of occupational therapy in socially assistive technology provision, occupational therapists should keep up to date with socially assistive technology that are being developed to support the social health of PLWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qi Koh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Pascale Heins
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aysan Mahmoudi Asl
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lesley Garcia
- Department of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Camilla Malinowsky
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Brorsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Huddinge, Sweden
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Bergschöld JM, Gunnes M, Eide AH, Lassemo E. Characteristics and Range of Reviews About Technologies for Aging in Place: Scoping Review of Reviews. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e50286. [PMID: 38252472 PMCID: PMC10845034 DOI: 10.2196/50286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is a contemporary and global challenge that the increasing number of older people requiring care will surpass the available caregivers. Solutions are needed to help older people maintain their health, prevent disability, and delay or avoid dependency on others. Technology can enable older people to age in place while maintaining their dignity and quality of life. Literature reviews on this topic have become important tools for researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and decision makers who need to navigate and access the extensive available evidence. Due to the large number and diversity of existing reviews, there is a need for a review of reviews that provides an overview of the range and characteristics of the evidence on technology for aging in place. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the characteristics and the range of evidence on technologies for aging in place by conducting a scoping review of reviews and presenting an evidence map that researchers, policy makers, and practitioners may use to identify gaps and reviews of interest. METHODS The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus using a search string that consisted of the terms "older people" and "technology for ageing in place," with alternate terms using Boolean operators and truncation, adapted to the rules for each database. RESULTS A total of 5447 studies were screened, with 344 studies included after full-text screening. The number of reviews on this topic has increased dramatically over time, and the literature is scattered across a variety of journals. Vocabularies and approaches used to describe technology, populations, and problems are highly heterogeneous. We have identified 3 principal ways that reviews have dealt with populations, 5 strategies that the reviews draw on to conceptualize technology, and 4 principal types of problems that they have dealt with. These may be understood as methods that can inform future reviews on this topic. The relationships among populations, technologies, and problems studied in the reviews are presented in an evidence map that includes pertinent gaps. CONCLUSIONS Redundancies and unexploited synergies between bodies of evidence on technology for aging in place are highly likely. These results can be used to decrease this risk if they are used to inform the design of future reviews on this topic. There is a need for an examination of the current state of the art in knowledge on technology for aging in place in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Gunnes
- Department of Health, SINTEF Digital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arne H Eide
- Department of Health, SINTEF Digital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Lassemo
- Department of Health, SINTEF Digital, Trondheim, Norway
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The telehealth program of occupational therapy among older people: an up-to-date scoping review. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:23-40. [PMID: 36344805 PMCID: PMC9640899 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02291-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The average life expectancy of older people is increasing, and most seniors desire to age at home and are capable of living independently. Occupational therapy (OT) is client-centered and uses patients' meaningful activities, or occupations, as treatment methods, thus playing an important role in later adulthood. Telemedicine removes the constraints of time and space, and the combination of OT and telemedicine can greatly improve medical efficiency and clinical effectiveness. AIMS The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the scope and effectiveness of telehealth OT for older people. METHODS This scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched the literature in five databases following the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study design) guideline, from inception to April 2022. Two trained reviewers independently retrieved, screened, and extracted data, and used a descriptive synthesizing approach to summarize the results. RESULTS The initial search yielded 1249 studies from databases and manual searches, of which 20 were eligible and were included in the final review. A thematic analysis revealed five main themes related to telehealth OT: occupational assessment, occupational intervention, rehabilitation counseling, caregiver support, and activity monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth OT has been used widely for older people, focusing primarily on occupational assessment and intervention provided conveniently for occupational therapists and older clients. In addition, telehealth OT can monitor patients' activities and provide rehabilitation counseling and health education for the elderly and their caregivers, thus improving the security of their home life and the efficacy of OT. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth will be an effective alternative to face-to-face modalities.
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Prioritizing and Overcoming Barriers to e-Health Use among Elderly People: Implementation of the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:7852806. [PMID: 35449830 PMCID: PMC9017429 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7852806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rise in the aging population brings new challenges to modern societies. Old age is associated with several morbidities and usual issues related to health. Therefore, the provision of healthy and timely care has become the dire need to maintain their quality of life and wellbeing. The evolution of the e-health care system put pressure on societies to implement it successfully to ensure a safe and prompt provision of care services to the most vulnerable population successfully. Therefore, the provision and implementation of the e-health care system is a challenge for the health industry in terms of multi-objective decision-making. Multicriteria decision-making is a generalizable approach to making decisions with dependence and feedback and is known as an effective tool in decision-making processes, particularly in the healthcare sector. The present study aims to present an e-healthcare framework by identifying and prioritizing potential barriers towards the use of e-health by the elderly population. The analytical hierarchy process approach is adopted to calculate weights of identified potential barriers, respectively, and then rank them based on their degree of significance. The findings show that health and the ability-related barrier is ranked highest, followed by socio-environmental and attitudinal barriers. This research contributes to healthcare decision-making regarding e-health usage by implementing MCDA techniques. Our study will assist the public health practitioners and policymakers in drawing decisions on the best strategy to minimize the risks in using the e-healthcare system by the aging population, which significantly contributes to the smart healthcare system.
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Merchant RA, Aprahamian I. Editorial: Covid-19 and Virtual Geriatric Care. J Nutr Health Aging 2022; 26:213-216. [PMID: 35297461 PMCID: PMC8883446 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-022-1755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reshma A Merchant
- Associate Professor Reshma A Merchant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, , ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9032-0184
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Miranda-Duro MDC, Nieto-Riveiro L, Concheiro-Moscoso P, Groba B, Pousada T, Canosa N, Pereira J. Analysis of Older Adults in Spanish Care Facilities, Risk of Falling and Daily Activity Using Xiaomi Mi Band 2. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3341. [PMID: 34064993 PMCID: PMC8150783 DOI: 10.3390/s21103341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presently the use of technological devices such as wearable devices has emerged. Physical activity monitoring with wearable sensors is an easy and non-intrusive approach to encourage preventive care for older adults. It may be useful to follow a continuous assessment of the risk of falling. The objective is to explore the relationship between the daily activity measured by Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and the risk of falling of older adults residing in or attending care facilities. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on three different institutions located in Galicia (autonomous community) (Spain). RESULTS A total of 31 older adults were included in the study, with a mean age of 84 ± 8.71 years old. The main findings obtained were that a greater number of steps and distance could be related to a lower probability of falling, of dependency in basic activities of daily living, or of mobility problems. CONCLUSIONS The importance of focusing on daily steps, intrinsically related to the objective assessment of daily physical activity, is that it is a modifiable factor that impacts different aspects of health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Carmen Miranda-Duro
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Laura Nieto-Riveiro
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Patricia Concheiro-Moscoso
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Betania Groba
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Thais Pousada
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Nereida Canosa
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Pereira
- CITIC (Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research), TALIONIS Group, Elviña Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; (M.d.C.M.-D.); (P.C.-M.); (B.G.); (T.P.); (N.C.); (J.P.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oza Campus, University of A Coruna, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
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Gately ME, Tickle-Degnen L, Voydetich DJ, Ward N, Ladin K, Moo LR. Video Telehealth Occupational Therapy Services for Older Veterans: National Survey Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2021; 8:e24299. [PMID: 33904825 PMCID: PMC8114160 DOI: 10.2196/24299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational therapy (OT) is a vital service that supports older adults' ability to age in place. Given the barriers to accessing care, video telehealth is a means of providing OT. Even within Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a pioneer in telehealth, video telehealth by OT practitioners to serve older adults is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study examines VHA OT practice using video telehealth with older veterans using an implementation framework. METHODS A web-based national survey of VHA OT practitioners conducted between September and October 2019 contained a mix of mostly closed questions with some open-text options. The questions were developed using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services model with input from subject matter experts. The questions gathered the extent to which VHA OT practitioners use video telehealth with older veterans; are comfortable with video telehealth to deliver specific OT services; and, for those using video telehealth with older veterans, the barriers, facilitators of change, and perceived benefits of video telehealth. RESULTS Of approximately 1455 eligible VHA OT practitioners, 305 participated (21.0% response rate). Most were female (196/259, 75.7%) occupational therapists (281/305, 92.1%) with a master's degree (147/259, 56.8%) and 10 years or fewer (165/305, 54.1%) of VHA OT practice. Less than half (125/305, 41.0%) had used video telehealth with older veterans, and users and nonusers of video telehealth were demographically similar. When asked to rate perceived comfort with video telehealth to deliver OT services, participants using video telehealth expressed greater comfort than nonusers, which was significant for 9 of the 13 interventions: activities of daily living (P<.001), instrumental activities of daily living (P=.004), home safety (P<.001), home exercise or therapeutic exercise (P<.001), veteran or caregiver education (P<.001), durable medical equipment (P<.001), assistive technology (P<.001), education and work (P=.04), and wheelchair clinic or seating and positioning (P<.001). More than half (74/125, 59.2%) of those using video telehealth reported at least one barrier, with the most frequently endorsed being Inadequate space, physical locations and related equipment. Most (92/125, 73.6%) respondents using video telehealth reported at least one facilitator, with the most frequently endorsed facilitators reflecting respondent attitudes, including the belief that video telehealth would improve veteran access to care (77/92, 84%) and willingness to try innovative approaches (76/92, 83%). CONCLUSIONS Most VHA OT survey respondents had not used video telehealth with older veterans. Users and nonusers were demographically similar. Differences in the percentages of respondents feeling comfortable with video telehealth for specific OT interventions suggest that some OT services may be more amenable to video telehealth. This, coupled with the primacy of respondent beliefs versus organizational factors as facilitators, underscores the need to gather clinicians' attitudes to understand how they are driving the implementation of video telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Gately
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Linda Tickle-Degnen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Deborah J Voydetich
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nathan Ward
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Keren Ladin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren R Moo
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
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