Abstract
BackgroundThe rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. However, research shows technologies being abandoned or rejected by users due to a lack of compatibility and consumer involvement in selecting their assistive technology devices. This study aims to understand older adults’ perceptions and preferences of technologies that can potentially assess frailty at home.MethodsThis study collected qualitative data through focus group meetings with 15 participants ages 65 and older. Researchers asked participants questions to achieve the goal of understanding their attitudes on the technologies. These questions include (1) the concerns or barriers of installing and using the presented technology in daily life at home, (2) the reasons participants like or dislike a particular technology, (3) what makes a specific technology more acceptable, and (4) participants’ preferences in choosing technologies. Data were transcribed, coded and categorized, and finally synthesized to understand the attitudes towards presented technologies.ResultsThree focus group sessions were conducted with five participants in each session. In the findings, the attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies for assessing frailty were categorized into four themes: (A) general attitude towards using the technologies, (B) conditions for accepting certain technologies, (C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, and (D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies.ConclusionsParticipants generally had positive attitudes towards allowing the technologies to be installed and used at their homes. They would accept some technologies if used under certain conditions. However, questions and concerns remain, such as concerns about privacy, functionality, and aesthetics. The study also found that older adults’ living habits or patterns could affect the design and use of technology. Lastly, many valuable suggestions have been made by participants. These perspectives and insights can help improve the design and adoption of home-based frailty assessment technologies among older adults.
Highlights
Frailty is a clinical condition that plays a role in the aging process
The attitudes and perspectives of participants on the technologies that could be potentially used for assessing and monitoring frailty were presented in four predominant areas: (A) general attitude towards using the technology, (B) conditions for accepting certain technologies, (C) existing living habits or patterns related to use of the technologies, (D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies
This study identified four areas regarding the use of technologies for assessing frailty at home: (A) general attitude towards using the technology, (B) conditions for accepting certain technologies, (C) existing living habits or patterns related to using the technologies, (D) constructive suggestions related to the technologies
Summary
Background Frailty is a clinical condition that plays a role in the aging process. It is defined as a “medical syndrome with multiple causes and contributors that is characterized by diminished strength, endurance, and reduced physiologic function that increases an individual’s vulnerability for developing increased dependency and/or death’’ [1]. Identification and early detection of frailty will enable personalized care by selecting an appropriate treatment plan, which could reverse frailty [4,5,6]. The rapid development of technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence in recent years enables monitoring frailty criteria to assess frailty early and accurately from a remote location such as a home. This study aims to understand older adults’ perceptions and preferences of technologies that can potentially assess frailty at home
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