Safety is an issue for older adults with dementia because they are at risk for various incidents. Intelligent assistive technology (IAT) may mitigate risks while promoting independence and reducing the impact on the caregiver of supporting a relative with dementia. The aim of this scoping review was to describe IATs and to identify factors to consider when selecting one. A systematic search was performed of the scientific and gray literature published between 2000 and 2015. A total of 31 sources were included. Four types of IATs were identified as addressing safety issues in dementia: monitoring technologies, tracking and tagging technologies, smart homes, and cognitive orthoses. Characteristics of the device and ethical considerations emerged as key factors to consider when selecting one. IATs yield promising results but pose various challenges, such as adapting to the evolution of dementia. Further research on their actual impact is needed. You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
These results indicate that a smartphone-based program may support independent leisure and communication engagement in people with visual impairment and intellectual disability who possess verbal skills. Library Services do not currently have access to this journal, but you can request a copy of the article online and we will try to get a copy to you: http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Head to Head. It could raise awareness to improve identification and treatment of depression, says Ken Duckworth, but Simon Gilbody worries that screening for depression is not recommended because it could cause harm.
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Patients on the older adult wards at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Harbour Unit in Blackpool recently took part in a five week trial to investigate the theraputic gain of tablet technology. The pilot was undertaken by 63 patients in the hospital due to their severe or enduring mental health condition or dementia. Patients self-reported their mood before and after using the tablet and also recorded their enjoyment post-activity. The results showed significant improvement in mood and engagement immediately after using tablet technology.
The money from the Health Foundation, an independent health and health care charity, will fund development of a sophisticated data dashboard and analysis tool that identifies high risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and diabetes in those with psychosis.
The authors point out that whereas digital technology is transforming almost all areas of our lives – enabling us to order shopping online or book airline tickets, for example – its use in the NHS is still limited. They explore the evidence to date from seven types of technology for patients in primary care, including online triage programmes such as symptom-checkers, so-called ‘wearable technology’ like Fitbits, online GP appointment booking, video consultations, and health-related apps.
Telford & Wrekin Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (DARS) launches digital health programme Breaking Free Online to broaden access to addiction treatment.
The new service will have a wide presence across Wandsworth providing face-to-face counselling in a range of venues as part of this service. They have partnered with The Awareness Centre, one of the leading providers of counselling and psychotherapy in London, who works directly with a wide range of groups to offer tailor-made services.
To make sure the service is accessible as possible Talk Wandsworth will deliver the latest innovative online therapy options including SilverCloud, Ieso and Skype. This 24/7 technology will make it easier for people to choose what type of support they want, when they want it and how they would like this to take place.
REGASSA is a randomized controlled study performed in primary care to study the effects of 12 weeks of Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) and physical exercise (PE) compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in patients with mild-to-moderate mental ill-health. The present study aimed to examine the results of these treatment alternatives on psychological functioning, stress, and sleep disturbances. You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please be clear which article you are requesting.
The new Pain App was created following feedback from patients and junior doctors, who said that although there was a plethora of useful books and websites offering information, they wanted accurate, locally relevant high quality information readily available when they needed it.
The aim was to create a one point source of information that would be available on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
The App provides quick and easy access to information about all painkillers currently available at the RBFT, along with suggested regimes for many different drugs. It is hoped the new technology will support junior doctors and GPs, and provide confidence in starting appropriate analgesic medication for patients early.
Objective: The aim of our study was to develop a novel Web- and mobile phone–based application to provide a dynamic CDSS by monitoring and analyzing practitioners’ antipsychotic prescription habits and simultaneously linking these data to inpatients’ symptom changes.
Background: Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) is an acceptable and promising treatment modality for adolescents with mild-to-moderate depression. Many cCBT programs are standalone packages with no way for clinicians to monitor progress or outcomes. We sought to develop an electronic monitoring (e-monitoring) tool in consultation with clinicians and adolescents to allow clinicians to monitor mood, risk, and treatment adherence of adolescents completing a cCBT program called SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts).
Objective: The aim of our study was to review the state of the art of technologies for persons with dementia regarding issues on development, usability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, deployment, and ethics in 3 fields of application of technologies: (1) support with managing everyday life, (2) support with participating in pleasurable and meaningful activities, and (3) support with dementia health and social care provision. The study also aimed to identify gaps in the evidence and challenges for future research.
The psychological treatment of mental health problems is beginning to undergo a sea-change driven by the widespread availability of digital technology. In this paper we provide an overview of the developments to date and those in the pipeline. We describe the various uses of digital interventions and consider their likely impact on clinical practice, clinical services and the global dissemination of psychological treatments. We note the importance of online clinics, blended treatment, digital assessment and digital training. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai