Abstract
Introduction
Stress and communication difficulties, both prone in people with dementia, are risk factors for challenging behaviour. Challenging behaviour negatively impacts the quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers. Technology can help caregivers detect stress in people with dementia. However, implementation of these technologies is not always successful. The aim of this study is to explore the implementation opportunities for a garment-integrated sensor system that enables caregivers to identify early signs of stress in people with dementia.
Methods
A qualitative design with online focus groups (n=9) and interviews (n=21) with persons living with dementia (n=4), family (n=10) and professional caregivers (n=9) was used to collect stakeholders’ perceptions towards the sensor system and requirements for its implementation into long-term care. Participants took part in three focus groups or interviews, of which the last round focused on implementation. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive conventional content analysis.
Results
Participants were positive about the idea of a garment-integrated sensor system and could see several groups in both intramural and extramural healthcare settings benefit from the system. Besides early stress detection, participants also saw an added value of the system for the identification of triggers for challenging behaviour or for diagnostic purposes. According to participants, implementing the system in long-term care requires clear guidelines and agreements for its use, a trial period and educating caregivers. The sensor system needs to meet several requirements (e.g. customizability, ease of use) to increase user acceptance and thereby implementation success.
Conclusions
Participants perceive the idea of a garment-integrated sensor system for people with dementia in long-term care as positive. To increase implementation success, it is important to create an easy-to-use, tailor-made system, educate stakeholders, and establish clear guidelines for its use. The next step is to validate and implement the system in long-term care.