Validation and Optimization of the Individual Benefits of Locating Systems in Dementia Care (VODINO)

Assistive Technology for Dementia: Validation and Optimization of the Individual Benefits of Locating Systems in Dementia Care (VODINO)

The project aims to make new technologies for locating people with dementia easier to use for the patients and those caring for them. Objective: To systematically understand what improves the user experience of persons with dementia (PwD) and their primary caregivers (CG) with locating system watches to ultimately allow users to obtain more benefits from using these watches. Aim: Improving the user experience of PwD and CG with locating system watches using a cross-over design and a theory-based educational session approach.

This entire research field (assistive technology in dementia care) is based on the need to address care solutions for a growing number of PwD and CG in the absence of a cure for (Alzheimer's) dementia. Methods: A user study with two free available locating watches. In educational sessions PwD obtain a locating watch and their CG a smartphone with the application of the locating watch installed on it. By using a cross-over design each dyad (PwD and CG) obtaining both locating systems. The designed educational session hopefully ease subsequent use and make it more enjoyable. The dyads will use each system over four weeks in their real environment.

Locating system watch with GPS-technology (free available) Main functions: telephone function and location upon request via smartphone

Locating system watch with GPS-technology (free available) Main functions: telephone function and location upon request via smartphone

Patients using locating system watches with embedded global positioning system (GPS) technology and telephone function; Caregivers using a Smartphone with an installed application to see the current location of the patient and with the possibility to call the patient

Inclusion Criteria: diagnosis of all kinds of dementia or mild cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: not able to move outside alone

Aim: develop better business model designs to promote the adoption of assistive technologies in the field of dementia. In this context we share the qualitative data (transcripts of the interviews) with the department of business administration Prof.Dr.Wessel (Research Group "Health-IT and Business Model Innovation") of the Free University of Berlin.

Megges H, Freiesleben SD, Rosch C, Knoll N, Wessel L, Peters O. User experience and clinical effectiveness with two wearable global positioning system devices in home dementia care. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2018 Nov 9;4:636-644. doi: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.10.002. eCollection 2018.