Feasibility and Acceptability of Smartwatches for Use by Nursing Home Residents.

Abstract

Smartwatch wearables are a promising health information technology to monitor older adults with complex chronic care needs. Pilot and feasibility studies have assessed smartwatch use with community-dwelling older adults, but less is known about their use in nursing homes. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of smartwatch technology in a real-world nursing home setting to generate initial evidence about potential use. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we conducted a pilot feasibility and acceptability study of smartwatch technology: Phase 1, pretrial semistructured interviews and focus groups with nursing home leaders, staff, and residents/families; Phase 2, a 7-day smartwatch trial deployment with residents; and Phase 3, posttrial semistructured interviews and focus groups. Themes related to feasibility findings included a part of the workflow and making the technology work. Themes related to acceptability findings included it's everywhere anyway, how will you protect me, knowing how you really are, more information = more control, and knowing how they are doing. These findings have important implications for the design of technology-supported interventions incorporating these devices within the unique context of residential nursing homes to best meet the needs of older adult residents, families, and staff caretakers.