Initial results of the evaluation of a digital rollator

Abstract

Rollators are preferred to compensate physiological limitations and to maintain mobility in old age; however, environmental obstacles or limited perception of fall hazards can lead to fall events. The present study evaluates an electronic box that is used to supplement conventional rollators with various technical assistance systems (e.g. call for help to contact persons, fall detection). The rollator equiped with the electronic box (DigiRoll) was tested for its suitability for everyday use during the pilot phase of the study, with the aim of further development. In aqualitative design, the DigiRoll was tested in apilot phase with 10participants. Individuals were interviewed in focus groups and individual interviews. In addition, ethnographic observations were made. The data evaluation was carried out using qualitative content analysis. The test persons showed great interest in the development of the assistance systems to increase the feeling of safety. At the same time, the necessity of adapting the DigiRoll to individual needs became clear, depending on the living situation, the type of impairment and personal habits. The DigiRoll has the potential to provide sustainable support for people with reduced mobility by increasing the users' sense of safety. Other contextual factors such as access to suitable rollators and safe walkways cannot be influenced by the DigiRoll.