The sniffing bead system: an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: A prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In the current coronavirus disease pandemic situation, the need for quick, simple, and one-off olfactory function screening test has increased. This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, we included geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University. Olfactory detection thresholds were measured by the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured. Results The detection threshold of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_Threshold (2.41 ± 1.79), YSK_Identification (8.93 ± 3.25), and YSK_Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (17.46 ± 5.49) test scores. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min). The detection threshold of 2-phenylethyl alcohol was significantly correlated with that of n-butanol with the sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21). Conclusions Although specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, the sniffing bead system may function as a valuable screening tool in general practice, allowing for rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

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Usability of a tablet computer designed for older adults: a qualitative approach based on an intra-hospital living-lab for healthcare (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25186 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Guillaume Sacco ◽

Pauline Carliez ◽

Frédéric Noublanche ◽

Romain Simon ◽

Anne Renaudin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Geriatric Patients ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Satisfaction Score ◽

Tablet Computer ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

System Usability Scale ◽

Perceived Usability

BACKGROUND Usability is the keystone in the evolution of tablet technology in healthcare. The Ardoiz® tablet has been designed with a simplified interface for older adults. OBJECTIVE To assess the perceived usability and satisfaction of the Ardoiz® tablet. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods with cross-sectional study using System Usability Scale (SUS), satisfaction score and workshops, including geriatric patients, healthcare professional and caregivers. RESULTS Between September 25, 2019 and March 11, 2020, 58 participants were included in a cross-sectional study (including 38 patients, mean ±SD 85±6 years, 66% women), 26 in workshops (including 5 patients, mean ±SD 86.4±2.9, 40% women). The SUS was 74±12/100, the satisfaction score was 2.8±0.9/4, with 59% of satisfied participants with the use of Ardoiz® pads. The intent to acquire remained low with 18% (n=6) of participants who would be interested in acquiring the tablet. This tablet computer seemed to be difficult to use by geriatric patients and healthcare professionals, mainly because of its complex homepage. Nevertheless, former caregivers and healthcare professionals thought that the tablet could be of great interest to hospitals for leisure and medical use. The main feedback in order to improve the tablet is to simplify the home page with fewer and more static icons (without switching). CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the usability of the tablet, the intent to acquire of Ardoiz® tablet remained low. The interface should be simplified for older adults in order to improve usability and adherence. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04091152

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