A Mixed Reality Cognitive Orthosis to Support Older Adults in Achieving Their Daily Living Activities: Focus Group Study With Clinical Experts (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mixed reality is an emerging technology allowing to "blend" virtual objects in the actual user's environment. A way to realize this is by using head-mounted displays. Many recent studies have suggested the possibility of using this technology to support the cognition of people with neurodegenerative disorders. However, most studies explored improvements in cognition rather than in independence and safety during the accomplishment of daily living activities. It is therefore crucial to document the possibility of using mixed reality to support the independence of older adults in their daily life. OBJECTIVE This study is part of a larger user-centered design study of a cognitive orthosis using pure mixed reality to support independence of people living with neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). The objectives were to explore: (1) What are the main difficulties encountered by older adults with NDs in their daily life to ensure that the pure mixed reality meets their needs; (2) What are the most effective interventions with this population in order to determine what types of assistance should be given by the pure mixed reality technology; (3) How should the pure mixed reality technology provide assistance to promote safety and independence at home; and (4) What are the main facilitators and barriers for the use of this technology. METHODS We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with 5 focus groups with experts of the disease and its functional impacts (n = 29) to gather information. Qualitative data from the focus groups was analyzed through an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The themes emerging from the analysis will provide clear guidelines to the development team prototyping a first version of a cognitive orthosis based on pure mixed reality. CONCLUSIONS The cognitive orthosis that will be developed in the light of this study will act as a proof of concept of the possibility of supporting people with neurodegenerative disorders using pure mixed reality.