BACKGROUND
Despite positive results of use of assistive technologies (ATs) in dementia, the uptake of AT lags behind. It is considered important to assess determinants of (un)successful implementation of AT.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to explore factors that influence implementation of AT for community-dwelling people with dementia, with the aim to get a better understanding of potentially effective implementation strategies.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on factors influencing either successfully implemented or unsuccessfully implemented AT’s among 21 researchers in this field from eight European countries, describing AT they were involved in. The survey consisted of closed and open questions.
RESULTS
Determinants of Implementation were described for 21 ATs, of which 12 were successfully and nine were unsuccessfully implemented. Various types of ATs were included, for example online platforms, sensors or physical aids. Main determinants of implementation success were related to the AT itself, contextual factors, research activities and implementation strategies. There was a lack of research data on some ethical issues and cost-effectiveness research.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided insight in some main barriers and facilitators in implementation of AT in dementia, related to the AT itself, context, research-related activities and applied implementation strategies. Lessons were formulated for various stakeholders to improve implementation effectiveness of AT in dementia.