7 Designing and testing an integrated community care model with a remote home monitoring-alert device: a pilot study in Japan

Abstract

Abstract Background An integrated model of health and social care in the community has been considered to be the gold standard, although many obstacles and challenges still exist. Living at one’s private home for as long as one wishes requires highly personalised arrangements, and therefore is costly, but assistive technologies can potentially facilitate this. In order to test the concept, a remote monitoring and care delivery system was developed. The usability and efficacy of the model were examined. Methods Sensor devices (biometric, temperature sensor and infrared camera sensor) were set up in the homes of five older people (aged 70 years and over), and the information was sent online to each older person, plus his/her family and caregivers. Using these devices, fifteen care professionals delivered home care and remotely supported the home life of the older adults between December 2022 and January 2023. A pre-post study design was adopted, collecting the System Usability Score (SUS), the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the InterRAI assessments. The participating older adults and family members all consented to the research, which involved being observed or watched (all images are silhouettes only) when the system was in operation. Results Remote monitoring with alerts and two-way communication functions was highly valued by caregivers, as it provided an alternative model of care delivery, particularly for those living alone. While the device usability was not highly rated (D), several improvements in ICF and InterRAI scores were recorded (e.g. interpersonal communication, self-care, depressive tendencies). Conclusion While more research is necessary to increase the sample size and the duration of the data collection period, there is great potential for this model, embedding the use of assistive technologies into home care delivery. The study was funded in part by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (22he2002023j0002).