A review of the factors influencing adoption of digital health applications for people living with dementia

Abstract

Objective Researchers have used various theories and models to understand technology adoption, however, with the growing interest and availability of mobile applications (apps) for people living with dementia, it is desirable to have a broader insight into how technology adoption may be further improved. This paper aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of digital health applications for people living with dementia and add to the current literature on this topic. Methods Searches were conducted in CINHAL, Web of Science, Psych Info, ProQuest Health and Medical, IEEE Xplore and Scopus. Citation searching and handsearching were used in the identification of other studies. Results Following an assessment of relevancy, nine studies remained and are included within this review. Methodological quality was assessed using The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A thematic analysis was used for the data synthesis of included studies. Each study reported on different types of apps. Conclusion From the synthesis of included studies, four analytic themes were identified; Theme 1: Personal and contextual factors; Theme 2: Perceived value and benefit; Theme 3: Design and content of app; and Theme 4: Digital Literacy and Confidence. People are diverse and so are their reasons for the adoption of apps. These findings provide an insight into the range of factors that impact the adoption of apps for people living with dementia. Understanding the factors that impact the adoption of mobile applications is critical to their success. These findings can be beneficial for app developers and for people living with dementia and their carers.

Evaluation of interactive web-based tools to stimulate reflection and communication about advance care planning with people with dementia and their family caregivers

“…Family caregivers often took the lead in the use of the tools, adopting different strategies to include the person with dementia through simplified explanations of the content of the web-based tools or prompts and follow-up questions to stimulate participation from the person with dementia. This is consistent with previous studies that emphasise the significant contribution of family caregivers as primary providers of support and guidance for people with dementia [ 22 , 23 ]. In the context of the use of technology particularly, family caregivers frequently play a vital role in ensuring accessibility and overcoming challenges to technology use [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…This is consistent with previous studies that emphasise the significant contribution of family caregivers as primary providers of support and guidance for people with dementia [ 22 , 23 ]. In the context of the use of technology particularly, family caregivers frequently play a vital role in ensuring accessibility and overcoming challenges to technology use [ 22 , 23 ]. However, in instances where people with dementia may heavily rely on the digital skills of family caregivers, it could potentially place an added burden on the family caregivers [ 24 ].…”

Technologies to Increase Freedom for People Living With Dementia

“…First and foremost, any technology placed in the home that is intended to help support daily living should be simple and easy to use. 18,32 A person's ability to use technology in the way it is intended can have a large impact on whether they will adopt that technology in a meaningful way. 32 Training and support for both the use of the specific technology and in general digital literacy should be available to both people living with dementia and their carers.…”

“…18,32 A person's ability to use technology in the way it is intended can have a large impact on whether they will adopt that technology in a meaningful way. 32 Training and support for both the use of the specific technology and in general digital literacy should be available to both people living with dementia and their carers. 18 Support from carers can help overcome some of the technological barriers to use; however, there is limit to how much help the user needs before they become discouraged from using the technology at all.…”

“…18 Support from carers can help overcome some of the technological barriers to use; however, there is limit to how much help the user needs before they become discouraged from using the technology at all. 32 Assistive devices have often been designed as a 1 size fits all solution rather than being tailored to the user's needs or level of impairment. 33 Personalized training and co-designed solutions are considered facilitators of technology use.…”