Usability and acceptability of technology for community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this review was to obtain an overview of the technologies that have been explored with older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia (MCI/D), current knowledge on the usability and acceptability of such technologies, and how people with MCI/D and their family carers (FCs) were involved in these studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary studies published between 2007 and 2017 that explored the use of technologies for community-dwelling people with MCI/D were identified through five databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, AMED, and CINAHL. Twenty-nine out of 359 papers met the criteria for eligibility. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quality assessment.
RESULTS: A wide range of technologies was presented in the 29 studies, sorted into four domains: 1) safe walking indoors and outdoors; 2) safe living; 3) independent living; and 4) entertainment and social communication. The current state of knowledge regarding usability and acceptability reveals that even if researchers are aware of these concepts and intend to measure usability and acceptability, they seem difficult to assess. Terms such as "user friendliness" and "acceptance" were used frequently. User participation in the 29 studies was high. Persons with MCI/D, FCs, and staff/other older adults were involved in focus groups, workshops, and interviews as part of the preimplementation process.
CONCLUSION: Research regarding technologies to support people with MCI/D seems optimistic, and a wide range of technologies has been evaluated in homes with people with MCI/D and their FCs. A major finding was the importance of including people with MCI/D and their FCs in research, in order to learn about required design features to enhance usability and acceptability. Surprisingly, very few studies reported on the consequences of technology use with regard to quality of life, occupational performance, or human dignity.

Introduction

The aging society is described as a grand societal challenge,1 and access to technology is one important strategy in future health-care services.2 Older people often have multiple and chronic diseases, often requiring extensive care services. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias extends to nearly 44 million people worldwide and is most common in Western Europe.3 Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition due to disease of the brain, of a chronic or progressive nature, that influences cognitive, psychological, behavioral, and motor skills, having consequences for quality of life (QoL) and everyday living competency.4 The ICD-10 presents four criteria for dementia: 1) impaired memory; 2) clear consciousness; 3) impaired emotional control, motivation or social behavior; and 4) the condition must have lasted for at least 6 months. Dementia is divided into mild, moderate, and severe stages, depending on the extent to which the condition influences everyday living.5

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) encompasses attention, concentration, memory, comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving. According to Winblad et al (2004), MCI is a useful term as both a clinical and a research entity6 and is usually perceived as the preclinical stage of dementia. However, MCI may be stable and occasionally reversible.7 The risk of mortality seems to be high for all types. Hedman et al (2013) studied patterns of functioning in older adults with MCI and found that they exhibited different patterns: stable, fluctuating, descending, or ascending. The patterns may change over time, and thus individual support is needed.8

Technologies, such as digital calendars, speaking watches, and Global Positioning System (GPS), have been shown to support time orientation, memory, and safety in people with mild cognitive impairment/dementia (MCI/D).9–12 Technology may have the potential to support a person’s occupational performance, meaning helping out “the actual execution or carrying out of an occupation” (p. 26),13 and facilitate a good and dignified life, reducing the pressure on family carers (FCs) and the need for community care services. Dignified lives for older adults, defined by Heggestad14 refers to Jacobson’s definition (2009) of human dignity as “the intrinsic dignity that belongs to every human being,”14 are increasingly discussed in health-care services. Human dignity is closely related to human identity. Being a technology user has implications for identity.15 If a person finds the technology ugly, not user friendly, or not compatible with his or her lifestyle, the device will hardly be accepted.

Access to technology that addresses a need is anticipated to have an impact on QoL, which may be defined as:

an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, and standards and concerns.16

However, it is a prerequisite that the technology matches the needs of the user and is accepted as an aid and incorporated into everyday living.

Eicher et al (2017) claimed that good usability and user acceptability encourage patients to engage in the training and coping with the new technology. Therefore, it is interesting to investigate usability and acceptability in technology studies.17 “Usability” is defined as “the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use,”18 while “acceptability” is defined as “the degree of primary users’ predisposition to carry out daily activities using the intended device” (p. 73).19 Arthur (2009, p. 29) defined acceptability for technology as being a “means to fulfill a human purpose,”20 and stated that technology may be a method, process, or device.

It has been argued that technology mainly has been provided to safeguard older people with MCI/D at home, with less attention given to technology for assisting people in living a good life.21 Kenigsberg et al (2016) state that assistive technology such as information and communication technologies can provide useful information for assisting older adults with dementia, if tailored to the end users’ capacities. However, there is still a need to educate health staff to assess users’ capacities, preferences, and motivation for using technology and to evaluate the information and communication technologies to better inform technology developers as to user needs and performance styles.22 In addition, an important factor concerns creating a supportive network for the user as part of the technology implementation.23

The criteria for successfully matching technology to a person’s needs and capacities are various. They include health staff’s assessment skills in revealing the needs, resources, challenges, and capacities of the user, their ability to successfully individualize the technology to the user’s needs and context, and the user’s acceptance of technology. An additional issue is the usability of the chosen technology: its maturity, robustness, and predictability as a sustainable solution for the user. The organization of community services and access to proper technology support are also important.24

Several pilot projects (Enable,64 Safe@home,65 ACTION,66 COGKNOW,67 Rosetta,27 Casas,68 and NOCTURNAL69) have focused on the usability of different types of technologies for older people with dementia and MCI in test laboratories or at home, and found that such technology may be of benefit for both the person with MCI/D and their FC. However, all of these projects concluded that further research is needed, in particular studies that include the users’ perspectives on usability and acceptability.

This systematic review aims to investigate primary studies that include people with MCI/D in technology trials. As recommended for systematic reviews, we outlined three research questions for our literature search:25

What types of technologies have been explored with home-dwelling older adults with MCI/D?

What is the current knowledge about the usability and acceptability of such technologies with regard to occupational performance, QoL, and human dignity for independent living?

How are users involved in the reviewed technology studies?

Material and methods

This systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (reg 42017058789, May 7, 2017).

Data sources and search strategy

We searched PROSPERO (www.prospero.org) to check whether others had performed a recent literature review on this topic, before starting the literature search. However, we did not find any earlier or ongoing reviews on this topic.

Eligibility criteria

The review aimed to identify peer-reviewed primary studies concerning technologies that had been developed and/or explored with home-dwelling older adults with MCI/D above 65 years of age. The search included studies from January 2007 to June 2017. Papers in the English language were included.

Primary studies on technology for older people with MCI/D.

The title and/or keywords included a type or types of technology; this could be the name of a device or technology mentioned as a system, eg, smart-home system, ambient assistive living (AAL), or artificial intelligence (AI).

The title and/or keywords included the population (mild) cognitive impairment, dementia, or early phase of dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Not target population (MCI/D)

Not primary study

Laboratory studies

Not technology for support of everyday living

Long-term care/nursing home

Conference paper, editorial, protocol

Review articles/meta-analyses

Books, book chapters.

Information sources

Five databases were searched for studies: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, AMED, and CINAHL (Table 1). A systematic literature search must make use of search words that are valid in the thesaurus of each database, eg, Medical Subject Headings terms.25

Table 1

Databases and search words for identifying literature for review, June 20, 2016

Database	Search terms	No of text results
MEDLINE	AAL, ai, aid,* alzheimer disease, alzheimer,* ambient, ambient assisted living, artificial, artificial intelligence, assisted, assisted living facilities, assistive, automation, autonom,* body, cognitive, consumer participation, daily, daily living, dement,* dementia, dementia friendly, dementia, multi-infarct dementia, vascular, device,* digni,* diseas,* disorder,* everyday, friendly, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, health, health related quality of life, home, home automation, hrqol, impair,* intelligence, lewy, lewy body diseas,* lewy body disease, life, living, man-machine systems, mci, memory, memory disorder,* memory disorders, memory impair,* mild, mild cognitive impair,* mild cognitive impairment, of participat,* patient satisfaction, personal autonomy, personhood, principle-based ethics, qol, quality, quality of life, related, residential facilities, satisf,* self-help, self-help devices, sensor, sensor technology, sensor-based, sensor-based technology, smart-home, technology, welfare, well-being, wellbeing	235
PsycINFO	AAL, AI, aid,* alzheimer’s disease, alzheimer,* ambient, ambient assisted living, artificial, artificial intelligence, assisted, assistive, assistive technology, automation, autonom,* autonomy, body, client participation, cognitive, cognitive impairment, daily, daily living, dement,* dementia, dementia friendly, dementia with lewy bodies, device,* digni,* dignity, diseas,* disorder,* everyday, friendly, health, health related quality of life, home, home automation, hrqol, human computer interaction, human machine systems, impair,* independence (personality), intelligence, involvement, lewy, lewy body diseas,* life, life satisfaction, living, mci, memory, memory disorder,* memory disorders, memory impair,* mild, mild cognitive impair,* of participat,* qol, quality, quality of life, related, respect, satisf,* satisfaction, self-help, sensor, sensor technology, sensor-based, sensor-based technology, smart-home, social behavior, technology, vascular dementia, welfare, well being, well-being, wellbeing	93
Embase	Alzheimer disease, artificial intelligence, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, quality of life	18
AMED	Alzheimers disease, assistive devices, dementia, disability aids, mild cognitive impairment	1
CINAHL‡	AAL, ai, aid,* ambient assisted living, IN artificial, artificial intelligence, TC assistive, AF automation, assisted living, cogn,* cognition disorders, cognitive device,* disorders, home, home automation, man-machine systems, mci, mild cognitive impairment, self-help, self-help devices, sensor, sensor technology, sensor-based, DH sensor-based technology, smart-home, technology, technolog,* welfare	15
Total		362

Note:

Search date: September 27, 2016.

Search strategy

The strategy was to use the Medical Subject Headings terms related to each database. Table 2 shows an example of the search strategy from the CINAHL database.

Table 2

Example of search strategy

Search ID	Search terms	Results
S1	mci OR mild cognitive impairment	2,601
S2	(MH “Assisted Living”)	2,146
S3	S1 AND S2	10
S4	(MH “Cognition Disorders”) OR “cognitive disorders”	14,274
S5	S2 AND S4	31
S6	(MH “Technology”) OR “technology*”	81,053
S7	S5 AND S6	1
S8	S2 AND S6	70
S9	cogn*	73,515
S10	S8 AND S9	6
S11	S3 OR S10	15

Study selection

Altogether, 359 titles were identified in this literature search. After checking for duplicates, the number decreased to 298. Ovid Auto Updates were checked for relevant titles after the search date June 20, 2016 and until June 17, 2017. One more paper was of interest; however, the full text was not found. Another two papers were detected through other sources; one was sent to us from an earlier project colleague34 and the other was found in the first author’s personal archive of papers on technology and dementia.32 Thus, the review consisted of 301 papers to be appraised by all five authors, three nurses, and two occupational therapists. Four of the authors completed Steps 1 and 2 in the review process before the fifth author (a nurse) took part from Step 3 onward.

Review process

The review process had four steps:

Step 1. Screening titles: The pile with 301 titles was divided into two piles. Two teams, each consisting of one nurse and one occupational therapist, screened titles and keywords for relevance separately. Then, the two authors from each team met and compared their screening results and agreed upon which titles to include and exclude. Thereafter, the two teams met and presented their screening results and elaborated an overview of which titles to include for the next step. In this first screening step, 188 titles were excluded.

Step 2. Reading abstracts: The two teams read the abstracts of the selected papers and excluded papers not relevant to the research questions. An additional 26 titles were excluded owing to being reviews, editorials, conference papers, nonintervention studies, studies not involving MCI/D, nursing home studies, or books and book chapters. At the end of this step, 87 titles remained.

Step 3. Reading full-text articles: The first author transferred the 87 titles eligible for full-text review into an Excel file, with columns for data about the aim of studies, number of participants and sample characteristics, study design, types of technologies, and findings regarding usability, effectiveness of technology, and acceptability reported by people with MCI/D and their FCs. The five authors individually read on-fifth of the articles and filled in the data abstraction Excel file. At this step, another 58 papers were excluded for reasons of: not being primary studies (26 studies), being reviews (14 studies), not focusing on technology usability and acceptance (seven studies), participants not having MCI/D (eight studies), and being unable to find the full text of a paper (three studies) (Figure 1). The full-text review ended up with 29 papers.

Figure 1

PRISMA flowchart for selection of papers.

Note: Adapted from Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG; PRISMA Group. Reprint—Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA statement. Phys Ther. 2009;89(9):873–880. Creative Commons license and disclaimer available from: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.25

Abbreviations: PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; MCI/D, mild cognitive impairment/dementia.

Step 4. Out of the pool of five authors, two and two read the same half of the 29 papers. The first author read all the selected papers. We conducted a quality assessment of papers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT)26 for systematic mixed methods review. Only papers that clearly stated having a mixed method design were sorted under mixed methods.

Quality assessment of papers

The MMAT for systematic mixed methods review was used to assess the quality of the papers selected for this review. The MMAT has five categories of study design: 1) qualitative; 2) quantitative randomized controlled trials; 3) quantitative nonrandomized; 4) quantitative descriptive; and 5) mixed methods. The MMAT permits the researcher to concomitantly appraise and describe the methodological quality for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies, defined using specific methodological quality criteria.26 Six of the 29 reviewed papers were rated as high-quality studies, meeting all the quality criteria (four stars); 11 were rated with three stars (meeting 75% of the quality criteria); seven with two stars (meeting half of the quality criteria); and five with one star (meeting 25% of the quality criteria) (Table 3). This allowed us to overview by the quality of the selected studies and provided the opportunity to exclude studies with the lowest quality from the review, or to contrast high-quality studies with low-quality studies. However, in our review, the aim was to obtain an overview of what technologies have been explored among people with MCI/D and their FCs. Therefore, no studies were excluded because of a lack of quality.

Table 3

Data abstraction sheet

Author, year, country, MMAT score, title	Type of technology	Purpose of technology	Number of participants (MCI/D + FCs/staff)	Design according to MMAT‡	Duration of intervention	Usability/acceptability	Impact on QoL, occupational performance, and human dignity	Implications for practice
Domain 1: safe walking indoors or outdoors
Faucounau et al, 2009, France ** Electronic tracking system and wandering in Alzheimer’s disease: a case study32	GPS	To promote safe walking; to reduce feelings of anxiety in MCI/D and FCs. Possibility to locate a person	1 + 1	1	1 day	The patient’s view is essential to understand usability and acceptability. However, it may be difficult to understand owing to progression of disease and language problems. User acceptance: MCI/D found the GPS ugly and unattractive and felt it limited his life. He only agreed to carry it to reassure his wife. The dyad abandoned the trial after 1 day	Walking reduced anxiety in the MCI/D. However, the user saw the GPS as a limitation. The GPS had no impact on the MCI/D because it was rejected	Coordinates were inaccurate and battery quickly discharged. FC expected GPS to increase freedom. However, MCI/D left it everywhere and FC had to search for it. FC wanted to administer the GPS. The end user must be at the center of the codesign process
Pot et al, 2012, The Netherlands ** A pilot study on the use of tracking technology: feasibility, acceptability, and benefits for people in early stages of dementia and their informal caregivers33	GPS	For FCs to experience fewer worries and MCI/D more freedom, by use of GPS. Possibility to locate a lost person	28 + 28	4	Experimental, 3-month trial	25% MCI/Ds were more often outside independently; 50% MCI/Ds were less worried when going outside alone. 60% FCs said GPS provided more freedom for MCI/Ds. User acceptance: 4 MCI/Ds and 7 FCs experienced less conflict about going out alone. 30% FCs reported more time for other things	QoL is not used as outcome measure as the disease progresses. MCI/D may feel controlled with GPS. GPS will primarily support FCs in caring for the MCI/D	Track and trace technology seem to be promising for MCI/D early stages and FCs. The specific problem for each MCI/D and FC must be defined to identify the most appropriate solution
Røhne et al, 2017, Norway ** Wearable and mobile technology for safe and active living34	Mobile safety alarm with GPS	Mobile safety alarm with GPS for safety indoors and safe walking outdoors. Possibility to locate a lost person indoors or outdoors	46 + 46	4	Experimental, 2–9-month trial	52% MCI/Ds experienced more freedom. The device increased the activity level for already active persons. For inactive persons, a mobile safety alarm is not sufficient to change the activity pattern. User acceptance: MCI/Ds and FCs expressed increased confidence and sense of security	Mobile safety alarm addressed the users’ expectations regarding safety and freedom, and this may be interpreted in favor of improved QoL. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	Easy to use. Easier to press the alarm button and talk with spouse than to bother staff at work. MCI/D can stay longer at home. FC wanted to be part of response team, but not 24 hours a day
Lanza et al, 2014, Germany **** Autonomous spatial orientation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease by using mobile assistive devices: a pilot study36	Navigation technology	Navigation technology with photos for wayfinding compared to aerial maps. Prototype based on an HTC smartphone with photo-background of environment and arrows indicating which route to follow. Includes verbal and acoustic prompts. Facilitates autonomous navigation	14	3	Experimental field trial, 3 routes for each = 42 routes	MCI/Ds managed 20 of 42 routes without other assistance than the navigation device. In 22 routes, MCI/Ds needed assistance for wayfinding. User acceptance N/A	N/A	Autonomous wayfinding is crucial for maintaining living in domestic surroundings
Chang et al, 2010, Taiwan ** Autonomous indoor wayfinding for individuals with cognitive impairments35	RFID tags and readers, PDA for safe navigation	Indoor wayfinding. PDA with prompts and photos facilitates indoor navigation	6	4	Experimental pretest 10–20 minutes, 5 trials per person	Successful wayfinding was 93%. 15 of 30 trials were successful without detours, 13 trials were successful with detours. User acceptance N/A	N/A	Successful trials due to effectiveness of PDA user interface and navigation cues
McCabe and Innes, 2013, UK *** Supporting safe walking for people with dementia: user participation in the development of new technolology37	User requirements and design of a GPS device	User participation in development of GPS to develop a device to promote safe walking. User views on product design and design requirements to commercial partner	12 + 8	1	Focus groups	MCI/Ds can provide clear opinions about the design and usability of GPS devices. GPS devices are considered helpful by older adults, MCI/Ds, and FCs to support independence and increase self-confidence	The participants perceived being “tagged” with a GPS as a benefit to their QoL and independent living. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	This was a preintervention focus group and not a trial. Participants were clear that devices should be discrete and not add any stigma
Domain 2: safe living
Robinson et al, 2009, UK *** Keeping in Touch Everyday (KITE) project: developing assistive technologies with people with dementia and their carers to promote independence41	Armband with GPS and electronic notepad	UDC process to develop technologies to create acceptable and effective prototype technologies to facilitate independent living	10 + 11 and 2 + 1	1	10 + 4 workshops	Three stages of UCD to secure a user participation process. MCI/Ds are capable of providing valuable feedback in the design process	N/A	Involving people with dementia in the process of participatory design is feasible and could lead to devices that are more acceptable and relevant to their needs
Augusto et al, 2014, UK * Night optimised care technology for users needing assisted lifestyles38	Night-optimized care technology: audio and images by bedside, and sequenced lights to bathroom to reduce levels of arousal during nighttime	To promote safety at home by monitoring and assisting MCI/D with use of different technologies: light, music, visual activity	4 + 5	1	Experimental, 12 days in 5 households	This system worked very satisfactorily for MCI/Ds and FCs and was found appropriate for older people and MCI/Ds. Most useful functions were light management, pictures, and music. User acceptability N/A	AAL systems aim to increase QoL for older people. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	Managing risk factors with technology may be a key factor in sustaining living at home. Further end-user validation is needed to assess benefits of system
Cavallo et al, 2015, Italy *** An ambient assisted living approach in designing domiciliary service combined with innovative technologies for patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a case study19	Domiciliary multi-functional smart sensor system (Zigbee)	Network with bed and chair cushion, door monitoring, localization outdoors, personal posture, and cognitive stimulation, to continuously monitor health status, safety, and daily activities in MCI/D at home. Promote safety at home	14 + 15 staff	1	Experimental field test, duration N/A	Usability was evaluated as quite positive, with potential to improve quality of care for MCI/Ds. The technological systems were effective and reliable in monitoring MCI/Ds. Several MCI/Ds, FCs, and staff were skeptical of installation and use of technologies. Regarding the technology, FCs judged the environmental modules positively because they were almost invisible and easy to integrate in the homes. Control interfaces were simple to use	Aims to maintain or enhance QoL. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	Improved care performance led to QoL for MCI/D, FC, and staff. Involvement of MCI/D and FC in design of technologies was fundamental for participating in the trial
Meiland et al, 2012, The Netherlands ** Usability of a new electronic assistive device for community-dwelling persons with mild dementia28	Touch screen with sensors and actuators, eg, clock, calendar, radio, lamp control, picture dialing, reminders, task stepwise prompting, emergency call, outdoor navigation, and safety warnings	To evaluate user friendliness of a prototype touch screen, for support in memory, social contact, daily activities, and feelings of safety. Promote coping with everyday living and safety at home	12 + 12	1	Experimental field test, 3–8 weeks	MCI/Ds and FCs rated usability positively; size and sensitivity of screen, and number of buttons were appropriate. Easy to use, except for dialing, which had too many steps. Instability of the technical system was unsatisfying. User acceptance N/A	System may serve as a comfort or well-being service, supporting MCI/Ds to perform enjoyable activities. Human dignity N/A	Authors recommend a user participatory design for future studies, with direct involvement of MCI/Ds and FCs from the start of the development
Meiland et al, 2014, The Netherlands *** Participation of end users in the design of assistive technology for people with mild to severe cognitive problems: the European Rosetta project29	User participation in developing a modular home system for monitoring nutrition, sleep, medication, etc (Rosetta)	To support independence in MCI/D at home	14 + 36	1	Workshops, semi-structured interviews and expert consultations during three phases: initial development phase, design phase (with mock-up), and fine-tuning phase. Data collection occurred over 15 months	Valuable to investigate different user perspectives (MCI/D, FC, staff) in product development. MCI/Ds and FCs ranked help in case of emergency, navigation support, and calendar highest. Dementia experts ranked monitoring of behaviors to detect changes in functioning highest, in particular nutrition, medicines, toileting, performing activities, and sleep patterns. They assumed that involving users in the development process would add value and increase acceptability of technology	N/A	N/A as this is a preimplementation phase
Hattink et al, 2016, The Netherlands *** The electronic, personalizable Rosetta system for dementia care: exploring the user-friendliness, usefulness and impact27	Modular home system (Rosetta), day navigator (COGKNOW), Emerge system, and unattended autonomous surveillance system	To monitor and promote safety for MCI/D at home. Relieve burden of care for FC	20 + 17	3	Explorative evaluation study, with field trials from 2 weeks to 8 months	Testing of usefulness, user friendliness and impact: 10 MCI/Ds and 9 FCs rated Rosetta as very useful in spite of technical problems. 3 FCs felt that Rosetta offered a safer feeling and an extra pair of eyes. User friendliness was rated low owing to technical problems. User acceptability: 5 MCI/Ds find the system too hard to understand. 10 MCI/Ds said the presence of sensors was not stressful at all. Most MCI/D and FC had negative feelings re camera	No significant differences between pre- and postmeasures on QoL, autonomy, and feelings of competence. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	All participants found Rosetta a useful development for the future. They recommend end users with MCI/D take part in the design of new technologies and evaluation of user friendliness and usefulness. Evaluation of devices should only be performed when the technology meets an acceptable standard of stability and reliability
Riikonen et al, 2010, Finland ** Safety and monitoring technologies for the homes of people with dementia40	29 different safety stand-alone technologies at home, eg, alarms, reminders, memory aids, fall detector, GPS, mobile phone, home surveillance	To prevent risks, assist memory, detect emergencies. Promote safety at home. Relieve burden of care for FC	25 + 25	1	Preintervention, semi-structured interviews. Participation between 1 and 14 months. Average participation = 7.5 months. Evaluation with interviews and observations	Motion-sensitive light caused confusion in MCI/Ds. MCI/Ds could prolong staying at home, 8 months on average. User acceptability: passive devices that did not require active control or activation by MCI/Ds were preferred	N/A	The technology improved the social care network and reduced stress in FCs
Rowe et al, 2009, USA **** Reducing dangerous nighttime events in persons with dementia by using a nighttime monitoring system39	Night monitoring system with sensors on bed and exit doors	To prevent nighttime injuries and unattended exits. Sensor provides a text, voice, and alarm when MCI/D leaves bed, and location detection in house	26 + 26 and control group with 27 + 27	2	Case–control study, 12 months	System was highly reliable. FCs continued to use the system after the project ended. User satisfaction was rated between 4 and 5 on QUEST (0 = not satisfied at all, 5 = very satisfied). User acceptability: high, all chose to keep the system after project conclusion	N/A	Important as FC support. MCI/Ds can stay longer at home if night injuries are avoided. 30% of MCI/Ds with night injuries resulted in nursing home placement
Wu et al, 2016, France **** The attitudes and perceptions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment toward an assistive robot52	Robot technology to remind MCI/D about events and support daily living	Robots with event and appointment reminder, object-finding, video conferencing, remote surveillance, and companionship. Aims to develop a robot that could support older adults to manage living at home	5 MCI/D and 15 MCI/D	1	Focus group with 5 individuals; interviews with 15	None of the 20 MCI/Ds considered robots as useful for themselves. They did not consider themselves to need help; 6 emphasized the need for human presence and contact. Some feared that robot use may lead to social isolation	N/A	Older people do not seem ready to embrace robots
Mehrabian et al, 2015, France *** The perceptions of cognitively impaired patients and their caregivers of a home telecare system53	Home telecare technologies to detect emergencies, monitor taking medicines, and provide telecare communication with health professionals	To monitor and support safety at home, plus cognitive stimulation exercises and task reminders	62 + 30	1	Interview and questionnaires. Evaluates acceptance of home telecare technologies	MCI/Ds reported the machine to be helpful in emergency cases, but they would not feel safe if left alone in the home with it. They preferred the presence of another person. Many said this machine could be of help if they no longer managed on their own. A common concern was the costs. FCs denied need for help in caring for MCI/D. The results showed some evidence that MCI/Ds and FCs are receptive to the introduction of new telecare technologies	N/A	FCs were more positive toward the machine than MCI/Ds. FCs assumed that a machine could give them spare time and increase their QoL
Domain 3: independent living
Lindqvist et al, 2015, Sweden *** Experienced usability of assistive technology for cognitive support with respect to user goals43	Assistive technologies for cognitive support, eg, mobile phones, day planner, electronic calendars, item locators, and clock/reminder, which aim to support occupational performance	To support everyday living in general	14 + 14	1	Semi-structured interviews, pre- and 3 and 6 months post procurement of technology. 2 periods of 6 months	Constant visible information, in one place, and repetition of messages were useful. Effectiveness of personalized reminders varied a lot and could represent stress. Design and function of buttons could hinder a task. FCs must be active and help run the technologies. Internet and mobile communication must be reliable and ensure contact with manufacturer/support services. User acceptance: technology that easily fits into the user’s context increases user’s sense of control and thus acceptability	N/A	Increases control of own day. Being in control of assistive technology is important for successful use. Customization to each user must include user’s own perceptions on own goals
Malinowsky et al, 2010, Sweden *** Ability to manage everyday technology: a comparison of persons with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and older adults without cognitive impairment44	ETs, eg, coffee machines, microwave ovens, computers, cash machines	To assess and compare the ability to manage ETs among older adults without cognitive impairment and those with MCI/D	71 and 45 older adults	4	Observation and interview with all participants using META assessment tool	MCI/Ds had more challenges to manage ETs compared to older adults, which could imply that they are at risk of being excluded from participation in everyday activities and of losing their independence. User acceptability N/A	N/A	It is important to assess ability to manage ETs, when assessing ability to perform everyday activities. Assessment of ability to perform complex ADLs should be incorporated in the clinical evaluation of MCI and mild dementia
Malinowsky et al, 2012, Sweden **** Individual variability and environmental characteristics influence older adults’ abilities to manage everyday technology45	ETs, which are relevant and somewhat challenging, eg, mobile phone, iron, automatic telephone services	Observation of use and management of a self-chosen ET, to assess quality of occupational performance	68 and 42 older adults	4	Observation of managing at least two ET at home, 1 day for each participant	Intrapersonal capacity varied. Adaptation of environment could simplify management of ETs as support. Familiarity was not found to be significant in the analysis but may be in real life. User acceptability N/A	N/A	The “person–environment fit” is dynamic. Adapting social and physical environment can facilitate MCI/Ds’ management of ETs. Motivation is crucial for continued use of ETs
Lancioni et al, 2009, Italy *** Persons with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease use verbal-instruction technology to manage daily activities: effects on performance and mood30	Verbal instruction technology, with photo-cells and light-reflecting paper, and an MP3 player	To remind people how to perform daily activities, eg, preparing a snack or shaving	Study I: 6; Study II: 3	4	Observational study. Video films to assess mood	N/A	Improvement of mood can be seen as improved QoL. Indices of happiness were observed in 7 of the MCI/Ds during activity engagement. Verbal instruction technology improved occupational performance by giving MCI/Ds the opportunity to recapture the activity. Human dignity N/A	Data suggested that verbal instruction technology may recapture activity engagement and improve the participants’ mood, which can, in turn, influence FCs and social context. This may be a method for people with a mild to moderate degree of Alzheimer’s disease
Lancioni et al, 2010, Italy **** Technology-aided verbal instructions to help persons with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease perform daily activities31	Verbal instruction technology, with photo-cells and light-reflecting paper, and an MP3 player	Same technology for Studies I and II: a control unit, which activated an MP3 player giving an instruction; a photo-cell that registered movement, which activated the next interval instruction. Length of intervals was individually programmed, based on earlier observations of participants	Study I: 7; Study II: 4	1	Experimental, Study I: setting a table or preparing coffee, took place at participants’ homes.Study II: making a salad, took place at a day center	N/A	5 of 7, and 1 of 4, people showed higher indices of happiness during activity trials versus nonactivity periods. Verbal instructions supported by basic technology seem to support MCI/Ds’ recapture performance of daily activities. Improved performance was statistically significant for all 7 in study I. Human dignity N/A	Activity engagement improved mood and clear signs of happiness
Boman et al, 2014, Sweden **** Users’ and professionals’ contributions in the process of designing an easy-to-use videophone for people with dementia42	Design-stage concept for an easy-to-use videophone; evaluation for product design and demand	To simplify dialing: videophone instead of mobile phone/landline	6 + 18	1	5 focus groups	MCI/D meant it was important to start early with the device. Users did not want it before they really needed it. FCs expressed that videophone should be presented as fun to use instead of an aid	Being able to see each other as well as the surroundings could add meaning to the communication and provide more things to talk about was seen as favorable for QoL. Occupational performance and human dignity N/A	Videophone can be a useful tool for improving communication and add QoL
Domain 4: entertainment and social communication
Astell et al, 2010, UK * Using a touch screen computer to support relationships between people with dementia and caregivers21	Touch screen with photos, music, and video clips (CIRCA)	To engage in reminiscence experience and to improve communication and relationship between MCI/D and staff. Reminiscence for joy and entertainment	Part I: 40 + 40; Part II: 11 + 14	4	Part I: one-to-one interview, focus group, demonstration with paper/prototype. Trial: 2 × 20 minutes one-to-one sessions with CIRCA, compared to traditional reminiscence	Tablet could improve MCI/D/staff relationship compared to traditional reminiscence work. It provided new topics, more choices, and supported conversation. User acceptance: an indication of enjoyment was synchronous laughter and singing	N/A	Empowers MCI/D and redresses the status hierarchy during the course of interaction. Staff job satisfaction
Lim et al, 2013, Australia * Usability of tablet computers by people with early stage dementia48	Tablet for leisure activities, joy, and social contact	To assist in daily living and be a source of leisure activities and social networking. For joy and social contact	21 + 21	4	7 day trial; 30 minutes training before bringing the iPad home	Almost half of MCI/Ds (43%) used the tablet independently for more than 10 minutes/day, which proved to be helpful for FCs. 18% of MCI/Ds expressed a clear disinterest. 33% of FCs found the iPad not helpful, whereas 19% found it extremely helpful. The rest rated some degree of helpfulness. Helpful if the MCI/D is able to engage with the applications	N/A	User needs must be considered on a case-by-case basis, along with access to informal support. Authors recommend larger trials to determine usefulness of tablet computers
Kerssens et al, 2015, USA ** Personalized technology to support older adults with and without cognitive impairment living at home46	Touch screen with personalized photos, music, and messages (Companion)	To provide meaningful engagement. For joy and entertainment	7 + 7	1	Trial for 24–57 days, median = 31 days	The majority enjoyed the touch-screen shows, which brought back memories and helped relaxation and joy. 2 of 6 MCI/Ds did not use touch screen independently. User acceptance: 5 dyads kept the Companion for 45 days or more. 2 dyads kept it for 33 and 65 weeks, respectively	Results indicate that Companion was easy to use; it facilitated meaningful and positive engagement and simplified FCs’ daily lives. This may be interpreted as positive responses for QoL and occupational performance. Human dignity N/A	The Companion may help to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms and offer respite for FCs at home. FCs were positive, and it made helping their spouse with MCI/D easier
Leuty et al, 2013, Australia **** Engaging older adults with dementia in creative occupations using artificially intelligent assistive technology47	Touch screen for engaging in creative activities (ePAD)	To encourage engagement in painting by artificial intelligence providing prompts when monitoring MCI/D’s level of engagement	6 + 6	5	1 hour session × 5 weeks for each participant	MCI/D expressed excitement about novelty of the device. Easy to use with practice. Prompts were not noticed by MCI/Ds. ePAD was engaging. Staff remained uncertain as to whether MCI/Ds were truly satisfied with the ePAD	N/A	MCI/Ds enjoyed painting with ePAD, and they were pleased with the art they created. ePAD may foster meaningful art expression
de Oliveira Assis et al, 2010, Brazil * Evaluation of cognitive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation: a case study pilot project50	Digital activity board, calendar, and routine organizer	For exercises in cognitive rehabilitation programs. For joy and cognitive stimulation	1 + 1	1	4 months	50 minutes sessions twice a week. Specialists rated usability positively. MCI/D and FC opinions not reported. User acceptance N/A	N/A	Increased the points on MMSE after intervention
Suijkerbuijk et al, 2015, The Netherlands *** Seeing the first person perspective in dementia: a qualitative personal evaluation game to evaluate assistive technology for people affected by dementia in the home context51	Tablet with game/evaluation and dynamic lamp	Personal evaluation game for evaluating a dynamic lamp to improve sleep/wake cycles for 4 participants. iPad for joy and cognitive stimulation	12 + 12	1	4 months	None of the MCI/Ds or FCs reported discomfort during the intervention. MCI/Ds and FCs found the game a pleasure. The tablet questionnaire generated only data from FCs. User acceptance: feelings of involvement and motivation appeared	N/A	MCI/Ds may feel reminded of lost abilities or fulfillment due to contribution to well-being of future generations of MCI/Ds
Browne et al, 2011, UK ** SenseCam improves memory for recent events and quality of life in a patient with memory retrieval difficulties49	Camera that automatically takes photos when present at special events	To jog autobiographical memory of special events. For joy and cognitive stimulation	1 + 1	1	10 months	MCI/D’s memory for recent events improved, as did psychological well-being (QoL) and her relationship with her husband. User acceptance: enhanced memory, QoL, and relationship with spouse	QoL improved	Memory rehabilitation programs should include methods for improving autobiographical memory

Notes:

MMAT: 1 = qualitative; 2 = quantitative randomized controlled (trials); 3 = quantitative nonrandomized; 4 = quantitative descriptive; 5 = mixed methods. Star ratings: the study met

all of the quality criteria,

75% of the quality criteria,

50% of the quality criteria,

25% of the quality criteria.

Abbreviations: AAL, ambient assisted living; ADLs, activities of daily living; ETs, everyday technologies; FC, family carer; GPS, Global Positioning System; MCI/D, (person with) mild cognitive impairment/dementia; META, Management of Everyday Technology Assessment; MMAT, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for systematic mixed methods review; N/A, not applicable; PDA, personal digital assistant; QoL, quality of life; QUEST, Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology; RFID, radio frequency identification; UCD, user-centered design.62

Preparing data abstraction findings for presentation

The following data characteristics were recorded in the Excel files: author, year, country, MMAT score, title; type of technology, purpose of technology; number of participants (MCI/D + FCs/staff); design according to MMAT, duration of intervention, usability/acceptability; impact on QoL, occupational performance, and human dignity; and implications for clinical practice.

According to the template for this paper, data abstraction is presented in three steps: quantitative synthesis, qualitative synthesis, and study designs for user involvement in the 29 reviewed studies.

Results

The aim of this review was three-fold: to obtain an overview of the kind of technologies that were evaluated with people with MCI/D and FCs in the past decade (2007–2017), and how these users rated the usability and acceptability of such technologies. Further, we wanted to learn about how people with MCI/D and FCs had been involved in the studies reviewed.

Characteristics of included studies

The number of papers published per year varied throughout the past decade and had a peak in 2010 with seven published papers (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Number of papers per year.

The 29 included papers consisted of 17 qualitative studies, one quantitative randomized controlled trial, two quantitative nonrandomized studies, seven quantitative descriptive studies, and two mixed methods studies. The studies mostly took place in Western countries (Figure 3), and three papers were connected to the COGKNOW and Rosetta projects.27–29 Another author had published more papers on the same technology.30,31

Figure 3

Overview of papers per country 2007–2017; for papers written in collaboration with authors from other countries, only the first author’s country is counted.

The reviewed papers explored several different technologies in conjunction with persons with MCI/D and their FCs. Most of the studies took place in Europe. However, Taiwan, Brazil, the USA, and Canada were also represented, and all these studies contributed to greater knowledge in the field.

Study participants

The participants in the 29 included papers were older people with MCI or dementia, above 65 years of age. Different terminologies described these participants: older adults with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s patients, persons with dementia, users, care recipients, etc. In this review, all primary participants in the target group, people with cognitive impairment due to dementia or MCI, are called “people/persons with MCI/D.” In total, 665 people with dementia and 83 people with MCI had been involved in the 29 technology studies.

The FCs were named informal carer, spouse, relative, significant other, etc. In this paper, we use the expression FC for all. In total, 248 FCs took part in the 29 studies.

Health workers were named formal carer, nurse, therapist, home-care worker, etc. We chose the term “staff” for all professional health personnel. In total, 55 staff members and 23 others (older adults, dementia experts, volunteers) had taken part in the 29 studies.

What types of technologies have been explored with older people with MCI/D?

The first research question was to establish an overview of the types of technologies that had been evaluated with older adults with MCI/D and their FCs in everyday life. After listing the technologies studied, we grouped them into four domains according to aims and purposes: 1) safe walking indoors and outdoors; 2) safe living; 3) independent living; and 4) entertainment and social communication.

Columns two and three of Table 3 provide an overview of the types of technology and their purposes, and thus answer the first research question.

Domain 1 presents six papers on technology either for locating persons32–34 or for supporting navigation,35,36 or on how to involve users in the product design of devices for location and navigation.37 Domain 2 presents 10 papers on technologies for enhancing safe living, with five studies focused on monitoring systems,19,29,38–40 including two papers particularly describing technology for nighttime security.38,39 Further, one paper investigated “stand-alone” technologies to enhance safe living,40 and one study investigated user requirements prior to the development of a safety wristband.41

Domain 3 presents six studies that explored possibly improved occupational performance with the help of technology.30,31,42–45

Domain 4 presents seven studies on technologies for entertainment and leisure. Four papers explored the use of touch-screen tablets (iPads).21,46–48 One study explored using a camera to document personal events with the intention of reminding the person of (jogging the memory for) recent events,49 and one study used a digital board with a touch screen for both cognitive stimulation and joy.50

In general, some technologies were multifunctional and could therefore belong to more than one domain. Seven studies described user participation with MCI/D and their FC to identify user requirements, as recommendations for development of design of products (see “How users were involved in technology development,” later in this section). Only one study compared the user friendliness of two different strategies for indoor navigation for people with MCI/D; namely, a radio frequency identification navigation device (a device communicating with radio frequency signals) compared with an aerial map.36 Suijkerbuijk et al (2015) asked users with MCI/D to evaluate their use of a dynamic lamp, which aimed to improve sleep/wake rhythms, by answering questions playing a personal evaluation game on an iPad (“Angenaam”) (eight couples) or answering a questionnaire using a tablet (four couples).51

Current knowledge about the usability and acceptability of the explored technologies

Our second research question was about the usability and acceptability of the technologies with regard to occupational performance, QoL, and human dignity for independent living. Column seven in Table 3 presents the knowledge on usability and acceptability in the reviewed studies, while column eight presents findings related to QoL, occupational performance, and human dignity.

Usability and acceptability in the reviewed studies

Many of the studies explicitly aimed to evaluate the usability of the technologies that were explored.19,28,38,40,43,47,49,51 Cavallo et al (2015) found that perceived usability could improve QoL for people with MCI/D and their FCs.19 Cavallo et al (2015),19 Leuty et al (2013),47 and Lindqvist et al (2015)43 used the same definition as this review regarding usability. Meiland et al (2012, p. 584) explained usability in terms of “user friendliness” (gratifying, easy to manage), “usefulness” (meeting the needs and desires of people with dementia), and “effectiveness” in promoting autonomy, coping, and QoL.28 Lindqvist (2015, p. 138) operationalized the concept of usability to include three factors: the user’s desired goals, the hindering task according to the user, and the chosen assistive technology.43 Some researchers used the term “user friendliness” instead of usability.28,42 Boman et al (2014, p. 170) stated that acceptance of technology has been associated with “the ability to maintain a certain desired self-image of being competent.”42

None of the studies explicitly evaluated the acceptability of technologies. Some studies reported degrees of acceptance in people with MCI/D and FCs; for example, finding a device ugly could be interpreted as being not accepted,32 while experiences of fewer worries for the person with MCI/D or spare time for the FC33 could mean that the device is accepted.

Usability and acceptability of technology that aims to provide safe walking

Safe walking outdoors refer to the opportunity for people with MCI/D to go for walks alone. Safe walking involves many aspects: strategies for wayfinding, the ability to return to the starting point, physical strength/endurance, balance, judgment of one’s own physical capacity, vision, footwear, the surface of the outdoor area, and surrounding characteristics, such as woods, beaches, parks, or cities with heavy traffic, etc. Three papers included the GPS as the subject for technology evaluation.32–34 The studies from 2009 and 2011 included a GPS localization device, whereas the study from 2017 included a wearable arm–wrist mobile safety alarm with GPS and two-way communication, which can be used both indoors and outdoors, 24 hours a day. GPS is a technology mainly used for the localization of a person. One dyad case study found that the user agreed to carry the GPS only to reassure his wife, and he perceived the GPS as a limitation rather than an instrument of freedom, as his wife did. The couple stressed that the device should not be stigmatizing but rather unnoticeable and support autonomy.32 FC users of GPS technology expressed fewer worries and reported that the technology was easy to use.33 Røhne et al (2017) found that people with MCI/D who had a mobile safety alarm were able to stay longer at home.34 Two other studies explored navigation technologies for indoor wayfinding.35,36 Chang et al (2010) tested a prototype of near-field radio frequency identification technology, having six people with MCI/D find their way from A to B in a hospital setting,35 and Lanza et al (2014) compared the use of mobile navigation technology with photographs to ordinary aerial maps for autonomous outdoor wayfinding within a large hospital campus.36 Both studies found that the participants with MCI/D managed wayfinding in approximately half of the attempts. Therefore, the evaluated technologies seemed promising, given that repeated training sessions are available.

Usability and acceptability of technology for safe living

Five studies explored integrated monitoring systems, also called AAL, that aim to support independent living and detect risks/events in the home to send alerts in case of accidents.19,27–29,38,39 The purposes of these technologies varied somewhat, including to “support MCI/D at home,”27 to create “safe environments and prevent injuries and avoid unattended exits at night,”39 and to “monitor health status, safety, and activities of daily living”.19 AAL could also imply a strategy to decrease the burden of care for FCs40 and to postpone the need for transition to a nursing home.39

The AAL systems could also offer multimodal assistive services, with cognitive stimulation38 providing reminders to the person with dementia about events or tasks to carry out, and facilitating communication with family and friends.28 The AAL systems normally required internet-based computers.28 None of the papers presented perceptions of these AAL technologies from the perspective of those with MCI/D.

One paper40 presented user experiences with different “stand-alone” technologies that are not a part of a system but that still aim to contribute to safety at home by preventing risks, detecting emergencies, and assisting the memory of persons with MCI/D. Riikonen et al (2010) found that such technologies contributed to decreased stress in FCs. People with MCI/D seemed to accept best passive devices that did not require active control or activation.40

Usability and acceptability of technology for independent living

Some technologies aimed to promote independence and autonomy by compensating for lost cognitive skills, for example, by providing reminders via a sound, a light, and/or a written or spoken message. Because cognitive impairments affect occupational performance, compensatory technology can be useful for some. Lancioni et al (2010) tested verbal instruction technologies to remind persons with MCI/D about the steps in a given task, and this strategy seemed to help them recapture the performance.31 One study presented occupational performances of self-chosen, everyday technologies,45 and found that both intrapersonal capacities and environmental characteristics influenced the performance of handling the technology.

Usability and acceptability of technology for entertainment and social communication

Six studies tested computer tablets and iPads with people with MCI/D.21,46–48,50,51 The purposes were mainly to provide meaningful engagement21 and cognitive stimulation from photos, music, and games.46,48,50 De Oliveira Assis et al (2010) found that 50 minutes of cognitive stimulation programs twice a week positively influenced cognitive functioning, as demonstrated with pre–post measures on the Mini-Mental State Examination.50 Another study used tablet computers in art activities, which was appreciated by participants with MCI/D. They expressed excitement about the novelty of the device and satisfaction with the art they made.47 The therapists, however, remained uncertain as to whether the MCI/D participants were truly satisfied with the tablet computers.47

Astell et al (2010) evaluated tablets as social communication and reminiscence devices between staff and people with MCI/D. They compared the use of tablets to traditional reminiscence work, and found that the tablets increased the interaction between staff and residents, empowering people with MCI/D and redressing the status hierarchy during the course of the interaction, as well as leading to increased job satisfaction in staff members.21

Tablets were also explored regarding entertainment and joy. Kerssens et al (2015) found that the majority of seven persons with MCI/D enjoyed the touch-screen shows, which brought back memories and helped with relaxation and joy. However, two of the six persons with MCI/D did not use the touch screen independently.46 Lim et al (2013) found in their study of 21 people with MCI/D that almost 43% used the tablet independently for more than 10 minutes/day, which proved to be helpful for FCs. However, 18% of the people with MCI/D expressed a clear disinterest. The study concluded that user needs must be considered on a case-by-case basis, along with access to informal support.48

How users were involved in technology development

This subsection answers the third research question: How are users involved in the reviewed technology studies?

One major finding, represented in all 29 papers, emphasizes user involvement in preimplementation technology design and development and feasibility testing. Several studies highlighted the need to identify and confirm user needs in older adults with MCI/D in order to develop useful technologies, as earlier studies had mainly asked proxy persons these questions. Potential users of the technology include persons with MCI/D, their FCs, and staff, and they took all part in the studies we reviewed (see column four in Table 3).28,29,37,38,41,42,52 Some studies showed prototypes or mock-ups of the technology in question, in order to facilitate users’ responses on perceptions and opinions.29,41 Involving people with dementia in the process of participatory design is feasible. This could lead to the development of devices that are more acceptable and relevant to their needs.41 According to Cavallo et al (2015), the involvement of persons with MCI/D and FCs in the design of technologies was fundamental for participation in a trial.19 Meiland et al (2014)29 and Hattink et al (2016)27 explicitly recommended user participation in the design of new technologies and evaluation of their user friendliness and usefulness.

The study designs for user involvement varied. The most frequent design was the focus group. Five studies carried out focus groups for MCI/D and four for FCs.29,37,38,42,52 Two studies used workshops as the method for user engagement,29,41 and six studies used observation as method.28,40,43–45,53 Most studies used more than one method for data collection (see column five, Table 3).

Nine studies were experimental trials, which often started with a workshop or focus group with MCI/D participants and FCs/staff to identify user needs and requirements.19,29,38 Thereafter, the same participants were invited to give their opinions on a mock-up or prototype device installed at home, in order to evaluate usability and acceptance. The primary aim was to hear the voice of the MCI/D participant and to learn about the usability of the device. Only three studies were randomized controlled trials, with a pre–posttest design and control group.29,36,39

Some studies underlined the necessity of tailoring the technology to the user’s needs and preferences.33,43,48 Pot et al (2012) stated that the specific problem for the person with MCI/D and FC must be defined, in order to identify the most appropriate solution.33 During the user-needs assessment, it is thus important to assess the user’s ability to manage the everyday technology that they already possess and are familiar with before any new technology is introduced.45 According to Malinowsky et al (2010), intrapersonal skills and environmental characteristics influence performance and management of technologies, but at the same time, the “person–environment fit” is dynamic, ie, it will change over time.44 Adaptation of the social and physical environment can facilitate the management of everyday technologies by people with MCI/D.44 Further, each user’s customization to the technology always depends upon the self-perception of his or her own goals.43 If the technology was evaluated as positive, it proved successful in improving the social (care) network and reduced stress in FCs.40

Discussion

This review aimed to obtain an overview of the types of technologies being explored with persons with MCI/D, identifying the usability and acceptability of such technologies with regard to occupational performance, QoL, and human dignity, as well as to learn how user involvement of those with MCI/D and FCs was achieved in these studies.

Types of technologies

The reviewed studies showed a wide range of technologies, such as GPS, monitoring systems, tablets, touch-screen computers with calendar, clock and task reminders, verbal instruction technology, and robot technology, which we categorized into four domains related to the purposes of everyday living: safe walking, safe living, independent living, and entertainment and social communication. However, the technologies within the domains may overlap. For example, a stove timer with the purpose of safety at home can be a “stand-alone” device or a part of AAL technologies, with the potential to send an emergency alarm. Likewise, a digital calendar for supporting a person’s memory may be a separate device, as well as part of a digital structure enhancing safety at home. Sometimes, technologies may benefit others than the person with dementia. Gibson et al (2016, p. 7) conducted a scoping review and found 171 types of assistive technologies, which they divided across three areas: “assistive technology used ‘by’, ‘with,’ and ‘on’ people with dementia.”54 Another divide can be between “active” and “passive” technologies,63 depending on the person with MCI/D’s role as a technology user. Lindqvist et al (2015) stated that the person with MCI/D’s perception of the extent to which their own goals have been achieved must be included to assess the usability of a product or solution.43

Usability and acceptability

Technology that is simple to use and enables a person with reduced cognitive capacity to cope independently with daily tasks and obligations is classified as being usable and acceptable. The usability of technology was defined as user friendliness, usefulness, and effectiveness,28 and by the extent to which a product can help a user to achieve a specific goal. User-friendly technologies are thus a means to enable older adults and people with reduced capacities to engage in activities and participate in society, equal to other citizens. McCreadie and Tinker (2005) found that a technical device must address a person’s “felt need” in order to be perceived as useful.55 This is in line with Peek et al (2014, p. 242), who found that a perceived personal need for technology was the most frequent factor mentioned for technology use and acceptance.56

Several authors referred to the International Organization for Standardization’s definition of usability.19,43,47 However, it may be interesting to discuss usability related to utility and identity. Ravneberg and Söderström (2017) stated that usability is used synonymously with user friendliness and easy to use/learn, while utility is the functionality of the technology, and identity is connected to a user’s opinion of whether the device/aid matches the user’s personal character and reflects the person’s identity.15 These aspects may be difficult to distinguish and will influence the acceptability of a device. The degree to which the technology was accepted depended upon the end users’ experiences of reliability and stability of the technical performance of the device.28 Acceptability also considers whether the device matches the user’s identity.15 This may explain why users may hesitate to wear a device (eg, GPS) in their belt or pocket. The device may make the user feel stigmatized and result in rejection of the device. Some older adults will perceive a technology as being more relevant for other elderly people with more extensive functional impairments56 and be less motivated to use it themselves. One major consideration is the ability and motivation of the person with MCI/D to accept and incorporate such technologies in their everyday living.24 A Swedish study that found that older adults with MCI strived to downsize their approaches toward everyday activities, owing to changing abilities. They achieved this by using familiar technologies in a new way, by replacing old technology with something simpler. Sometimes they chose to stop using technology, although they needed it, or they had a desire to update their technology use.57 However, downsizing use of technologies will become a challenge when the health services seek to implement new technologies. Older adults may be reluctant to use new technology that they not yet are familiar with.58

However, one finding was that usability of technology often was rated low at the beginning of the project,19 which may be associated with late or nonadopters of technologies, or with skepticism toward new technologies. Also, it could be that FCs were unaware of the potential of the technologies and feared that they would not be appropriate for the person with MCI/D. Peek et al (2016, p. 4) revealed that older adults stated that such technologies were not necessarily intended for them, but rather “for others, less healthy older people.”58

Engaging older adults in a preimplementation study thus risks obtaining a “prototypical result,” according to Peek et al (2014).56 Posttrial evaluation of usability and acceptability was more positive as users had experienced the technologies’ potential to improve the quality of care.19 A clinical trial allowing end users to try the technology at home, in real-life situations, seemed to be an eye-opener by giving older adults the opportunity to realize how technology may, or may not, be of benefit. Therefore, clinical trials with end users are needed to evaluate the usability and acceptability of technologies.

Surprisingly, less than half of the 22 reviewed studies on technology trials reported the perceptions of the participants with MCI/D on the usability and acceptability of the explored technologies. The proxy opinions of FCs and staff were mainly reported. This finding leads us to ask why the opinions of the participants with MCI/D were so scarcely reported.

User involvement in the studies

User involvement was included in all the reviewed studies, which involved both persons with MCI/D and their FCs or staff. User involvement requires a bottom–up approach: that developers and researchers assess persons’ experiences with technology tried at home and consider those opinions when furthering development work. The evaluation of a product or solution with potential end users is a way of ensuring that the device works sufficiently for the target group. Some of the studies highlighted that the technology must be tailored to the user in order to be useful and usable.19,43,45,52 The study by Robinson et al (2009) contained a three-stage user-centered design (UCD) process involving persons with MCI/D and FCs41 (UCD was introduced by Rubin in 1994,59 as a method to explore user needs and requirements and put the user at the center of the design process.). Robinson et al (2009) concluded that user engagement resulted in products that were more acceptable and relevant to the users’ needs.41 Augusto et al (2014) implemented technology in accordance with UCD principles, to monitor the sleep/wake patterns in five households dealing with persons with dementia and their FCs. Thereafter, they developed an appropriate technological solution together. This exploration informed improved design of user interfaces.38

Even if it is challenging to include people with MCI/D in a user-driven development process, it is worthwhile.42 Meiland et al (2012) recommend a user participatory design with direct involvement of people with MCI/D and FCs, from the beginning of the project and through the whole process.28 McCabe and Innes (2013) stated that user engagement in product development provided valuable inputs on how GPS might be designed and used.37 They stated that successful devices are those that give consideration to real-life use and concerns from potential users.37 In other words, developing user-friendly interfaces, which are found to be usable and acceptable by the end users, requires user involvement. However, the terms “user” or “end user” might include both persons with MCI/D and FCs in the reviewed trials. We found it difficult to distinguish between the opinions of the person with MCI/D and those of the FC or staff on the technologies tried at home. Further research should investigate and report possible discrepancies between these parts.

Finally, the duration of the intervention and the study design influenced results on assessing usability and acceptability, since MCI/D usually progresses over time. Five of the studies lasted for less than 2 months, and eight lasted 6 months or longer. In one study,32 the person with dementia and his spouse left the trial after only 1 day. No information or training was provided prior to the trial, which in other studies seemed to be important. For how long should people with MCI/D try a product in order to be able to appraise it?

Attitudes toward MCI/D are changing, and nowadays people with MCI/D are more aware of their needs and rights. The European Dementia Working Group’s slogan, “Nothing about us without us,”60 underscores their desire for user participation in all service planning and authorizes their expression of own needs and preferences for technological or human support. The findings of this review clearly underscore the value of user involvement in technology development and clinical trials. More research is needed on what happens when technology is introduced to people with MCI/D and their environments, and whether technology will accommodate the needs and wishes stated by people with MCI/D and their FCs in a just and ethical way.

Possible biases

First, our search strategy may contain biases. We had many search words, which were challenging to include in one search. The search stories became long and we had to put extra effort into screening more titles for relevance.

Most of the studies reviewed had small sample sizes, and 10 out of the 29 studies had 10 participants or fewer. This is often criticized as a possible bias because generalization of results is not possible. However, our aim was to explore the width and depth of technology interventions, and small sample sizes nevertheless provided rich data. Further, multiple publications from the same authors/projects24–27,38,39 may also skew the impression of the extent of the research.

Another possible bias is the close and regular relation between the participants and the researchers over time, as mentioned by Browne et al (p. 719).49 Since many of the experiments had a pre–post design, and follow-up after a period, many participant–researcher relations may have developed beyond a neutral and formal attitude, to a more informal and friendly relationship. However, this is difficult to avoid in a participatory action research approach, where the research process relies on collaboration between the researcher and participants.61

One bias may be the use of the MMAT matrix for quality assessments of the 29 eligible papers. Five team members rated one-fifth of the papers individually, before comparing the assessment results with another team member. If discrepancies arose, a third team member was involved in the decision. Even though we chose not to exclude any of the papers owing to low quality, the quality assessment provided an overview of the quality of the papers included in our review.

Conclusion

The research about technologies to support people with MCI/D in everyday living seems optimistic, and a wide range of technologies has been evaluated at home with persons with MCI/D and their FCs. A major and representative finding was the importance of including those with MCI/D and their FCs in research, in order to learn about required design features to enhance usability and acceptability. Few studies reported findings on people with MCI/D’s perceptions of the acceptability and usability of the technologies or on the consequences of technology for QoL and occupational performance. None reported the consequences of technology use relating to human dignity.