scholarly journals Involving older adults in technology research and development discussions through dialogue cafés

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Lund ◽  
Torhild Holthe ◽  
Liv Halvorsrud ◽  
Dag Karterud ◽  
Adele Flakke Johannessen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Research Question ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Citizen Involvement ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Abstract Background Citizen involvement is important for ensuring the relevance and quality of many research and innovation efforts. Literature shows that inadequate citizen involvement poses an obstacle during the research, development, and implementation of assistive technology. Previous studies have addressed the advantages and disadvantages of citizen engagement in health research and technology development, and there is concern about how to ensure valuable engagement to avoid situations where they don’t have influence. Frail older adults are often excluded from being active partners in research projects. The overall objective of this commentary is to describe a case where dialogue cafés was used as a method for involving assisted living residents in technology discussions, elaborating on the following research question: In what ways are dialogue cafés useful for directing research and development and for engaging residents in assisted living facilities in assistive technology discussions? Method Six dialogue cafés with assisted living residents as participants were carried out over a period of 3 years (2016–19). Reports that were written after each café by the group leaders and rapporteurs provide the material for the analyses in this paper. Results This study demonstrates an example of facilitating user involvement where the participants felt useful by contributing to research and discussions on assistive technology and where this contribution in fact directed the research and development in the overall Assisted Living Project. Conclusion This study demonstrated that dialogue cafés enable older residents at an assisted living facility to contribute with opinions about their needs and perspectives on assistive technologies. This negates the view of older adults as too frail to participate and demonstrates the importance of including and collaborating with older adults in research.

scholarly journals Framework for selecting assistive technology user-participation methods

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
E A Draffan ◽  
Abi James ◽  
Mike Wald ◽  
Amal Idris
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
User Participation ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

Purpose – A number of participatory research methodologies can be used to assist with developing assistive technologies. These methods vary in the amount that users lead and contribute to the work. Selecting the correct method can be important to ensure the overall success of the project and the engagement of users. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that can impact on the degree of user participation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers whether criteria, that might influence assistive technology (AT) selection made during an assessment of need, review or purchasing process, could also be used to clarify the appropriate strategies for user involvement when developing assistive technologies. It outlines how this approach has been applied to two research and development projects which aimed to improve AT provision within niche markets. Findings – The paper demonstrates that it is possible to apply a decision making process to selecting the best participatory research method, based on factors affecting AT need. It reports on the outcomes of the user participation in the two research and development projects and discusses how this design approach has been applied to a third project. Originality/value – By examining a possible framework for identifying appropriate user-participation approaches, this paper will aid those designing research and development AT projects, whilst encouraging user participation within similar projects.

Involving people with dementia and their informal caregivers in the development process of assistive technology: Description and evaluation of a user-centered design (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris A.G.M. Geerts ◽  
Liselore J.A.E Snaphaan ◽  
Inge M.B. Bongers
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
User Centered

BACKGROUND Despite the potential value of assistive technology to support people with dementia (PWD) in everyday activities, use of these technologies is still limited. To ensure that assistive technologies better address the specific needs and daily context of PWD and their informal caregivers, it is particularly important to involve them in all different phases of assistive technology development. The literature rarely describes the involvement of PWD throughout the development process of assistive technologies, which makes it difficult to further reflect on and improve active involvement of PWD. OBJECTIVE This two-part study aimed to gather insights on the user-centered design (UCD) applied in the development process of the alpha prototype of the serious game PLAYTIME by describing the methods and procedures of the UCD as well as evaluating the UCD from the perspective of all involved stakeholders. METHODS The first three phases of the user-driven Living Lab of Innovate Dementia 2.0 were applied to directly involve PWD and their informal caregivers through qualitative research methods, including focus groups and a context-field study, in the development of the alpha prototype of PLAYTIME from exploration to design to testing. After the testing phase, a total number of 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWD, their informal caregivers and the project members of PLAYTIME to evaluate the applied UCD from the perspective of all involved stakeholders. The interviews addressed five of the principles for successful UCD and the appropriateness of the different methods used in the focus groups and context-field study. RESULTS Results of the interviews focused, amongst others, on the level of involvement of PWD and their informal caregivers in the development process, the input provided by PWD and their informal caregivers, the value of early prototyping, continuous iterations of design solutions and in-context testing, the role of dementia care professionals in the multidisciplinary project team, and the appropriateness of open- and closed-ended questions for obtaining input from PWD and their informal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS The description and evaluation of the UCD applied in the development process of the alpha prototype of PLAYTIME resulted in several insights on the relevance of UCD for all involved stakeholders as well as how PWD can be involved in the subsequent phases of usable and meaningful assistive technology development.

scholarly journals A Survey on the Influence of CYBATHLON on the Development and Acceptance of Advanced Assistive Technologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Thomas Meyer ◽  
Selina Weber ◽  
Lukas Jäger ◽  
Roland Sigrist ◽  
Roger Gassert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
User Centered

Abstract Background: Advanced assistive technologies (AAT) aim to exploit the vast potential of technological developments made in the past decades to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Combining complex robotic technologies with the unique needs of people with disabilities requires a strong focus on user-centered design to ensure that the AAT appropriately addresses the daily life struggles of target users. The CYBATHLON aims to promote this mindset by empowering the AAT target users (“pilots”) to compete on race tracks that represent daily life obstacles. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the CYABTHALON on AAT technology development, acceptance, and user involvement (i.e., application of user-centered design).Methods: With an online survey targetting the pilots and technical leads of teams preparing for the CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition, we investigated to what extent the pilots were involved in device development and how this influences the perceived daily life usability of the showcased AAT. Furthermore, the effects of user-centered design variables on the individual race performances were analyzed.Results: A total of 81 responses from 35 pilots and 46 technical leads were collected in the two weeks prior to the event. Of all teams partaking in the included disciplines of the CYBATHLON 2020 Global Edition, 81.8% (36 of 44) were included in the study. User-centered design appeared to be a prevalent practice among the teams, as 85.7% of all pilots reported a certain level of involvement. However, only 25.5% of the pilots reported daily life usage, despite QUEST usability scores of both respondent groups showing moderate to high satisfaction with the respected AAT across all investigated disciplines. An explorative linear mixed model indicated that daily life usage (p < 0.05) and prolonged user involvement (e.g. more than 2 years, p < 0.001) have a significant positive effect on the race performance at the competition.Conclusions: We conclude that the CYBATHLON positively fullfills its conceptual goals of promoting active participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in the design and evaluation of AAT, thereby stimulating the development of promising novel technological solutions. Also, our data could underline the value of the competition as a benchmark, highlighting remaining usability limitations or technology adoption hurdles.

Iterative User Involvement in Ambient Assisted Living Research and Development Processes

2011 ◽  
pp. 217-243
Author(s):  
Sonja Müller ◽  
Ingo Meyer ◽  
Ilse Bierhoff ◽  
Sarah Delaney ◽  
Andrew Sixsmith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Support System ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Development Processes

The example chosen to best demonstrate how the character and detail of user ideas changed in the different stages of the R&D process is the development of an exercise support system applying an avatar showing the exercises on the TV in the home of an older person.

Shaping the Development and Use of Intelligent Assistive Technologies in Dementia

2019 ◽  
pp. 130-144
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Hildt
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Ethical Principles ◽  
User Perspective ◽  
Future Directions

This chapter aims to offer some general thoughts on the development and use of intelligent assistive technologies in dementia. Based on an analysis of ethical principles and concepts, guidelines, recommendations, and codes of conduct in the field broadly construed, the text argues for an approach that takes the user perspective, in particular the users’ abilities, wishes, and goals, more clearly into consideration in intelligent assistive technology development and use. Although the reflections may have implications for caregivers, family members, and others involved in the care of persons with dementia, they are not so much intended to guide individual, patient-directed decision making as to address future directions for technology development and use in a more general way.

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND AGING IN PLACE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S330-S330
Author(s):  
George Mois ◽  
Tiffany R Washington ◽  
Jenay M Beer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Self Confidence

Abstract Many of the challenges that often accompany longevity can affect older adults’ quality of life (QOL). Adoption of an assistive technology ecosystem presents the potential to alleviate these challenges and improve QOL. An assistive technology ecosystem refers to the use of multiple assistive technologies to address a set of challenges affecting single or multiple characteristics of older adults’ QOL. However, little is known how technology can influence characteristics of older adult’s QOL. The purpose of this study was to investigate how using technology can improve older adults QOL. Data from the 2016 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were analyzed using four logistic regression models. The sample included are older adults age 65+ (N=5,488). The dependent variables used in this study were QOL indicators such as self-confidence, continue improving life, likes living arrangement, and self-determination. The variables used to measure technology included computer, cell phone, tablet, and internet use. Older adults who used the internet had significantly higher odds of reporting self-determination (OR=1.68), like living arrangement (OR= 1.97) and continue improving life. Tablet users had significantly higher odds of continuing to improve their life (OR= 1.249) and increased self-determination (OR= 1.174). Cellphone users had significantly higher odds of having self-confidence (OR= 2.814). These findings support the need for a network of resources accessed through an ecosystem of technologies to address the challenges encountered by older adults aging in place. This study’s findings can inform technology education programs, interventions, and assist with the development of support networks.

scholarly journals Leveraging Assistive Technology Resources to Support Aging in Place: A Scoping Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 100-100
Author(s):  
George Mois ◽  
Jenay Beer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Perceived Usability ◽  
Technology Resources

Abstract Aging in place is the preferred living arrangement for most older adults. However, the challenges that often accompany longevity coupled with housing which lacks proper modifications presents concerns about older adults’ safety and wellbeing. Advancements in assistive technologies have promising potential in helping address many of these challenges and support aging in place. The purpose of this scoping review was to survey the current literature to understand why, how, and what assistive technologies are adopted and utilized to help support aging in place. We followed the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) methodological framework for scoping studies, searching seven databases and systematically assessed 611 titles/articles. Findings were organized using frequencies and themes. Following the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included. Upon thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: 1.) challenges experienced in the context of aging in place, 2.) technology adoption, and 3.) technology types and applications. Findings indicate technology can serve an important role in helping support aging in place and can serve as a medium to deliver and increase access to resources to support physical, social, and psychological wellbeing. The technologies most frequently utilized include personal devices and smart home technologies. The adoption and use of technologies can be impacted by the perceived ease of use, perceived usability, family/caregiver, self-selection, involvement in technology development, policies supporting access, and environment factors. Our findings indicate that there is a current gap in the understanding of how older adults are interacting with technology and how long term use impacts wellbeing and aging in place.

scholarly journals Let’s Walk It: Mobility and the Perceived Quality of Life in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11515
Author(s):  
Ulrike Bechtold ◽  
Natalie Stauder ◽  
Martin Fieder
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Self Rated Health

European policy and the research and development landscape put forward a number of arguments in favor of implementing “Active Assisted Living” (AAL) for older adults: it will improve older adults’ quality of life, allow them to age in place, and keep costs for an ageing society down by exploiting new technology markets. The idea is that older adults who are supported by AAL and make use of assistive technologies will enjoy more freedom, autonomy, and mobility and also improved social integration and better communication. Yet, despite a history of more than 10 years of European research and development, the use of AAL applications is not as widespread as expected. To examine older adults’ attitudes to assistive technologies, we conducted a study in Vienna (Austria) between 2018 and 2020 questioning 245 older adults aged 61–93 years (M = 74.27 SD = 6.654) who lived at their private homes and had different support needs (ranging from “no support” to “everyday visit of social and/or care organizations”). The three goals of the study encompassed: (1) examination of their quality of life, (2) their attitudes and use of assistive technologies, and (3) the way they perceive their own and others’ life-course and getting older. AAL as a concept links “ageing in place” and “quality of life”. However, “mobility” is also of major importance here. In this paper, we aim to investigate the relation between the independent variables “Quality of life” and “Mobility” and their possible associations with the following dependent variables: cohabitation, social integration, self-rated health, sportive activities, locomotion, home well-being and safety, physical limitations, falls, and self-perception of their own ageing (compared to others). We calculated multivariate models regressing on these explaining and confounding variables. We found a positive correlation between mobility and quality of life. In detail, our results show a significant positive association between QOL and mobility regarding self-rated health and self-perception. Experiencing vertigo, walking difficulties, and balance problems significantly and negatively influence self-rated health and self-perception compared to others. Our findings can also be read as a clear message that there is a need to improve both health and the culture of ageing and to facilitate positive attitudes toward ageing as an efficient way to enhance the Quality of life of older adults.

scholarly journals ‘That's for old so and so's!’: does identity influence older adults’ technology adoption decisions?

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 1550-1576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene J. Astell ◽  
Colleen McGrath ◽  
Erica Dove
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Final Yield ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
And Control

AbstractThe role of identity in older adults’ decision-making about assistive technology adoption has been suggested but not fully explored. This scoping review was conducted to understand better how older adults’ self-image and their desire to maintain this influence their decision-making processes regarding assistive technology adoption. Using the five-stage scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley, a total of 416 search combinations were run across nine databases, resulting in a final yield of 49 articles. From these 49 articles, five themes emerged: (a) resisting the negative reality of an ageing and/or disabled identity; (b) independence and control are key; (c) the aesthetic dimension of usability; (d) assistive technology as a last resort; and (e) privacy versus pragmatics. The findings highlight the importance of older adults’ desire to portray an identity consistent with independence, self-reliance and competence, and how this desire directly impacts their assistive technology decision-making adoption patterns. These findings aim to support the adoption of assistive technologies by older adults to facilitate engagement in meaningful activities, enable social participation within the community, and promote health and wellbeing in later life.

scholarly journals Supporting Healthy Aging through the Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability of Assistive Technology Implementation: A Rapid Realist Review of Participatory Co-Design for Assistive Technology with Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142110232
Author(s):  
Simon Carroll ◽  
Karen Kobayashi ◽  
Matilde N. Cervantes ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Manik Saini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Realist Review ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Program Theory ◽  
Political Dimension ◽  
Rapid Realist Review

Objective: To identify the key mechanisms, contexts, and outcomes that drive the successful participatory co-design of assistive technologies. Method: A rapid realist review was conducted using a systematic search strategy. After screening, a final set of 28 articles were included. Articles were analyzed for evidence relevant to our initial program theory (IPT), and context-mechanism-outcome configurations were developed, resulting in a revised program theory. Results: All 28 articles included were highly relevant to the IPT, and had sufficient detail regarding the process of participatory co-design. The findings of this review highlight several key context-mechanism-outcome configurations as potential patterns in the data under the two dimensions of the evolving program theory: knowledge integration and the ethico-political dimension. Discussion: This review revealed the key mechanisms of mutual awareness, mutual learning, trust, and reciprocity that need to be taken into account in AT development and assessment. We concluded that participatory co-design requires a restructuring of power relations between end-users and those traditionally in control of technology design. These findings inform the development and assessment of AT for older adults and help guide policy/decision-makers to move forward with the now urgent agenda for scale-up and spread, initiated by the burning platform of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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