Effectiveness of a Korean Smart Home Modification Program: Focused on People with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Korean Smart Home Modification Program (KSHMP) on the activities of daily living and health-related quality of life of people with physical disabilities. The study used a single-group pre-post design with 10 people with physical disabilities living at home. During the intervention period, the KSHMP was implemented, which included occupational profile, smart home installation, setup, training, task-based feedback, and monitoring. Post-intervention changes in activities of daily living and health-related quality of life were assessed with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and EuroQual-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). After the KSHMP, all 10 subjects improved their activities of daily living and quality of life. In addition, the occupational performance of all subjects was maintained. These results show that a customized smart home has a positive impact on improving the activities of daily living and quality of life of people with retardation and is an efficient alternative.