Interest of a hospital-based geriatric living lab among inpatients with neurocognitive disorders: the ALLEGRIA cross-sectional study

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.1159/000538144. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to determine the participation rates, levels of engagement and abilities to answer User eXperience (UX) questionnaires according to the presence and severity of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD) among participants involved in gerontechnological experimentations within a hospital-based geriatric clinical living lab.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis examining all consecutive geriatric patients involved in the Allegro living lab experimentations, separated according to the presence and severity of MNCD. Participation rates were assessed using the "Task-Based Experiment"-type User eXperience (TBE-UX). Participation was considered successful if patients fully completed the TBE-UX experimental procedure. Engagement level was characterized using a five-point scale: Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive and Disengaged. The abilities to answer UX questionnaires were characterized using a five-point scale from "no completion" to "completion in autonomy".

Results: 313 patients were included. All patients without MNCD and with mild MNCD fully completed the TBE-UX procedures. Their engagement behaviors were rather active and constructive. All patients without MNCD and 88% of those with mild MNCD were able to fully complete the UX questionnaires. 96.2% of the patients with moderate MNCD fully followed the TBE-UX procedures. Their engagement behaviors were mainly active or passive. 64.2% were able to fully complete the UX questionnaires. 76.5% of the patients with severe MNCD fully followed the TBE-UX procedures. Their engagement behaviors were mainly passive or disengaged. 35.3% were able to fully complete the UX questionnaires.

Discussion/conclusion: Living lab experimentations appear feasible with older adults, even with those with MNCD. Task support can be offered to those with severe MNCD.