Use of touchscreen tablet technology by people with dementia in homes: A scoping review

Abstract

Background The aim of this scoping review was to identify the range, extent and nature of research around the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia in their home environment, particularly in regards to its use as a means of supporting participation in meaningful and socially connected activity. Methods A review of both peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken across 61 databases, along with reference list checking for articles published between 2010 and 2016. Results Twelve articles were included in this review, predominantly from Western European cultures and community-based home environments. The studies were exploratory in nature, with the majority focusing on the development of applications for people with dementia. Conclusions The study identified a range of exploratory research related to the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia. However, there were significant gaps within this evidence base, which provide opportunities for further research using more robust methodologies. Given the ubiquitous nature of touchscreen tablets in modern communities, further research could facilitate their use as a minimally stigmatizing and culturally appropriate form of support for people with dementia.

Attitudes and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Stages of Dementia and Their Caregivers: Cross-Sectional Study

“…These technologies could be used to train cognitive functions, monitor health and movements, provide reminders to support memory, promote social support, improve communication with caregivers, and provide useful information about the condition. Smartphones and tablets have the advantage of not raising a stigma for the individuals that use them [ 10 ] because they are ubiquitous and used by the majority of the population, and they also represent a natural source of data for professionals and researchers [ 10 - 13 ]. Over 40,000 health-related apps exist but very few are specifically designed for people with dementia/mild cognitive impairment [ 14 ].…”

Use of touch screen tablets to support social connections and reduce responsive behaviours among people with dementia in care settings: a scoping review protocol

“…The results of the scoping study will provide a summary of evidence about the impact of touch screen tablets in supporting social connections and reducing responsive behaviour of people with dementia in care settings. In the literature, a scoping review15 on the topic of using touch screen tablets by people with dementia has been conducted in the context of peoples’ homes, not formal care settings. Touch screen tablets have been recognised as being useful in building rapport, increasing engagement with and discovering interests and capabilities of people with dementia for caregiving staff and in facilitating continued connection and communication with family members 29.…”

“…No systematic reviews on the topic of using touch screen tablets to support people with dementia in care settings were identified. In the literature, a scoping review on the topic of using touch screen tablets15 by people with dementia has been conducted in the context of peoples’ homes, not formal care settings.…”

Technology-Driven Solutions to Prompt Conversation, Aid Communication and Support Interaction for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Touchscreen devices are of relatively low cost and have a generally intuitive interface, making them an accessible form of technological support and widely used in the community [12]. Of the eleven interventions identi ed using tablet-computer driven technologies, the most reviewed system was CIRCA, developed as a prototype to support and promote communication between PwD and their caregivers [13][14][15].…”