[Pilot-testing and log data focused evaluation of a smartwatch-based telecare system developed for older adults and their caregivers].

Abstract

Introduction: As long as it is safely feasible, older adults should receive care assistance at home and during their life activities. In our research project, a telecare system (environmental sensors, smartwatch with custom application, web-based cloud service) developed for older adults and their caregivers was pilot-tested. Objective: We aimed to evaluate how much older adults and their caregivers can make telecare services a part of their lifestyle. We investigated whether digital log data correlates with the well-being and usability questionnaires. Method: The used telecare systems were installed in the homes of older adults over 65 living alone (care recipients) and their caregivers’ smart devices for 21 days. A questionnaire survey was conducted three times, while the log data were continuously recorded. Results: 25 care recipients, 25 caregivers, and one care organiser completed the pilot-test, all of whom reported a positive change in the sense of safety. In relation to the log data, the daily maximum averages of the heart rate in the age group over 76 years increased significantly (p = 0.025, r = 0.573), and the daily heart rate range also increased significantly (p = 0.023, r = 0.580). Among the correlations between the log data and the responses to the questionnaires, the strongest significant positive correlation was found in the results of the age group over 76 years, between the median change in the daily steps and the evaluation scale of the User Experience Questionnaire (p = 0.001, r = 0.732). Discussion: The log data characterized the changes in the lifestyle (activity, load capacity) of the care recipients over 76 years. Caregivers and care organisers found the telecare system useful. Conclusion: A limitation is that the 21-day test period is short to correlate the log data with all well-being and usability questionnaires. At the same time, through the log data, conclusions can be drawn regarding the change in the condition of the participants. Participants over 76 years had improved cardiac states; therefore, information and communication technology-based assistive technology services are also worth using for very old adults. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(50): 1985–1996.