Using Wearable Devices in a Healthcare Facility: An Empirical Study with Alzheimer's Patients

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2023 Aug 23:306:25-30. doi: 10.3233/SHTI230591.

Abstract

Smart Wearables are considered a very promising solution for monitoring and helping people affected by cognitive decline or dementia and, in particular, Alzheimer Disease (AD). Nonetheless, the acceptability and wearability of such devices for AD patients pose certain challenges. To address this, an empirical study has been conducted with a group of patients with mild to moderate AD, wearing wristbands E4 by Empatica for a duration of three months. The experiment has been integrated into the regular healthcare activities, with active involvement from nurses and physicians. The paper reports the feedbacks of the caregivers and discusses wearability and acceptability issues.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s; Assistive Technology; Dementia; bracelet; caregiver; healthcare technology; monitoring; nursing home; wristband.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease* / therapy
  • Caregivers
  • Empirical Research
  • Health Facilities
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*