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The use of technology to promote meaningful engagement for adults with dementia in residential aged care: a scoping review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 September 2019

Imojean Neal ,
Sanetta H. J. du Toit Open the ORCID record for Sanetta H. J. du Toit [Opens in a new window]  and
Meryl Lovarini
Imojean Neal
Affiliation:
Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia
Sanetta H. J. du Toit*
Affiliation:
Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Meryl Lovarini
Affiliation:
Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Sanetta H. J. du Toit, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia. T: 0487725240. Email: sanet.dutoit@sydney.edu.au.
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Abstract

Introduction:

A considerable number of adults with dementia live in residential aged care facilities, where loneliness and boredom are common. Computer-based and electronic technologies have advanced significantly and there is potential for such technologies to improve engagement of residents with dementia. However, the nature and extent of the evidence supporting the use of these technologies is unclear.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of computer-based and electronic technologies for enhancing meaningful engagement of adults with dementia living in residential aged care.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted. Nine databases were searched from 2008-2018. Included studies were summarized, compared and synthesized according to technology type.

Results:

Twenty studies were included. Most studies were conducted in Australia (n = 7) and Europe (n = 8). Study designs were quantitative (n = 12), mixed methods (n = 5), descriptive (n = 2) or qualitative (n = 1). Studies aimed to investigate interaction, engagement, behaviors or quality of life (n = 14), to examine the feasibility of technologies (n = 3), or had both aims (n = 3). Technology type fell into two categories: robotics (n = 14) and multi-media computer programs (n = 6). Across both technology types, there were conflicting results in relation to positive impact on meaningful engagement. Studies only investigated the doing, belonging and connecting aspects of meaningful engagement. Additionally, there was a lack of consistency across studies in how activity, interaction and engagement were measured.

Conclusion:

The role and potential of new technologies to enhance meaningful engagement for those with dementia should focus on creating human-to-human interactions while taking individual preference and person-centered principles into account.

Keywords

major cognitive disordertechnologylong-term careactivity engagementsocial engagement
Type
Original Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 32 , Issue 8: Issue Theme: Technology for Brain Health and Artificial Wisdom , August 2020 , pp. 913 - 935
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2019

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