Do you observe what I perceive? The relationship between two perspectives on the ability of people with cognitive impairments to use everyday technology

Abstract

Objectives: Everyday technologies (ETs) can be challenging to use, particularly for older adults with cognitive impairments. This study evaluated the relationship between the self-perceived ability to use ET and observable performance of self-chosen and familiar, but challenging ETs in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Method: A self-perceived report, the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (S-ETUQ), and a structured observational tool, the Management of Everyday Technology Assessment (META), assessing the perceived and observed ability to use ET, were used in 41 people with MCI and 38 people with dementia. Correlations were investigated with non-parametric statistical tests. Results: In the dementia group, self-perceived report and observational scores correlated on a significant medium level (R s ¼0.44, p ¼ 0.006). In the MCI group, no significant correlation was found. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the ability of older adults with cognitive impairments to use ETs can be depicted with self-perceived reports as well as with observations. However, the combination of both approaches is recommended to get a comprehensive picture. While the S-ETUQ provides a broad picture of the use, presence and relevance of technologies in an individual's life, the META describes a specific human-technology interaction in detail. Furthermore, the results suggest people with early dementia retain the ability and insight to accurately reflect on their own ability to use ET, emphasizing the need to include their experiences in research and clinical work.

Smartphone-Based Experience Sampling in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Feasibility and Usability Study

“…An example ESM questionnaire was filled in to familiarize participants with the procedure. The management of the app was observed, guided by the Management of Everyday Technology Assessment (META), to get a detailed picture of the human-technology interaction and performance skills [ 27 ]. All participants were briefed individually.…”

New Insights into Activities of Daily Living Performance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…This is in line with previous studies among people with chronic diseases. [27][28][29][30] Given the overall physical fatigue and breathlessness affecting COPD patients, 1 it is expected that ADL skills such as Paces and Endures are affected, even if the overall ADL performance is less affected. These symptoms generally slow down task progression, resulting in pauses, and they indirectly affect other ADL motor and ADL process skills.…”

“…5,26 The relationship between self-reporting and observation in ADL performance and ET use has been investigated among client groups with chronic diseases, and relationships from nonexistent to moderate were found. [27][28][29][30] However, to our knowledge, similar studies of concurrent ADL assessments have not been performed among people with COPD, and it is relevant to recommend to both clinicians and researchers which is appropriate.…”

The update of semantic memories in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

“…The use of everyday technology (ET) in patients with in mild cognitive impairment has been addressed in previous studies (e.g., Bartels et al ., 2019; Nygård, 2008). Patients with aMCI have difficulties with knowledge of objects regarding their action and function (Adlam et al ., 2006).…”