Affiliation:
1. Department of Primary Care & Mental Health University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
2. School of Health Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
3. Ageing and Dementia Research Centre Bournemouth University Bournemouth UK
4. Faculty of Business and Law Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
5. The Lewy Body Society Wigan UK
6. NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast Liverpool UK
7. Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust National Health Service Liverpool UK
8. Together in Dementia Everyday (TIDE) Liverpool UK
9. Service User Reference Forum (SURF) Liverpool UK
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesFor many people with dementia and unpaid carers, using technology for care and support has become essential. Rapid proliferation of technology highlights the need to understand digital access to health and social care services for dementia. This mixed‐methods systematic review aims to explore digital access to health and social care services for dementia, from the perspective of people with dementia and unpaid carers.MethodsNine electronic databases were searched in May 2023 for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed‐method studies, published in English or German, focused on experiences of using technology‐delivered health and social care services for people with dementia and unpaid carers. After removal of duplicates and screening, 44 empirical papers were included.ResultsFrom the 44 studies, findings were grouped into five categories, highlighting experiences for people with dementia and unpaid carers: (1) Adapting to technology, (2) Inequalities and variations in outcomes, (3) Impact on caring, (4) Impact on health, and (5) Impact on relationships. Proliferation of technology in care access emphasised the need for quick adaptation to technology and examination of its impact. The impact of such service delivery has evidenced mixed findings. There were improvements in the health and wellbeing of people with dementia and unpaid carers, and benefits for their dyadic relationship. However, using technology for health and social care access is not always possible and is often reliant on unpaid carers for support. Lower tech‐literacy, lack of equipment or money to buy equipment and poor internet connection can impact the potential for positive outcomes.ConclusionsTechnology can bring great benefits: social inclusion, improved service access and care. However, using technology in service delivery in dementia needs careful thought. Professionals and service providers need to be cognizant of the complex nature of dementia, and the benefits and challenges of hybrid service delivery.
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