Assessment of need and practice for assistive technology and telecare for people with dementia – the ATTILA (Assistive Technology and Telecare to maintain Independent Living at Home for people with dementia) Trial

Kirsty Forsyth, Catherine Henderson, Lucy Davis, Rosie Bradley, Anusua Singh Roy, Barbara Dunk, Eleanor Curnow, Rebecca Gathercole, Emma Harper, Natalie Lam, Iracema Leroi, John Woolham, Chris Fox, John O'Brien, Andrew Bateman, Fiona Poland, Peter Bentham, Alistair Burns, Anna Davis, Richard GrayMartin Knapp, Stanton Newman, Rupert McShane, Craig Ritchie, Bethany Scutt, Grace Lavelle, Rachel Winson, Samantha Nunn, Victoria Ordonez, Emma Talbot, Emma Hooper, Robert Howard

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To define current assistive technology and telecare (ATT) practice for people with dementia living at home. METHODS: Randomised controlled trial (N=495) of ATT assessment and ATT installation intervention, compared to control (restricted ATT package). ATT assessment and installation data were collected. Qualitative work identified value networks delivering ATT; established an ATT assessment standard. RESULTS: ATT was delivered by public and not-for-profit telecare networks. ATT assessments showed 52% fidelity to the ATT assessment standard. Areas of assessment most frequently leading to identifying ATT need were daily activities (93%), memory (89%) and problem solving (83%). ATT needs and recommendations were weakly correlated (τ = 0.242; p<0.000), with ATT recommendations and installations moderately correlated (τ=-0.470; p<0.000). Half (53%) of recommended technology was not installed. Safety concerns motivated 38% of installations. DISCUSSION: Assessment recommendations were routinely disregarded at the point of installation. ATT was commonly recommended for safety and seldom for supporting leisure.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)420-430
Number of pages11
JournalAlzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Volume5
Early online date3 Sept 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Dementia
  • Assistive technology

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