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I Stoodley, H Cheston, P Hogan, A Tsui, 2629 A feasibility study examining the use of wearable technology among older delirious adults recovering from acute illness, Age and Ageing, Volume 54, Issue Supplement_1, January 2025, afae277.116, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae277.116
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Abstract
Wearable technology that continuously monitors physiological metrics has become increasingly popular and allows remote patient monitoring in virtual ward settings. Wearable technology has been shown to be effective in disease monitoring among younger adults. However, its use among older adults, including those with cognitive impairment, is yet to be explored.
We aim to explore the acceptability of remote monitoring using wearable technology among older adults with delirium.
Participants were recruited from an in-patient rehabilitation unit. Inclusion criteria included documented delirium and age over 65 years. Participants were enrolled until delirium resolved or until discharge. Wearable technology was worn continuously, except when being charged or the patient was washing. Device data was recorded every minute. Premorbid Barthel index and Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility (HABAM) was collected for each participant. Participants were assessed daily for delirium and mobility using the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale and HABAM respectively. At point of discharge from the study, participants completed a questionnaire to gather feedback on their experience.
20 participants were included, with a mean age of 83.0 years and an average premorbid Barthel’s index of 72. 6. Mean data capture from the wearable technology was 44.1% (12.8–65.8). None of the participants could independently manage the device. Three participants stated that the device interfered with their normal activities with five reporting the device uncomfortable to wear. However, nine participants stated they would wear the device again if asked to by a healthcare professional.
Our findings demonstrate that wearable devices are tolerated by delirious older adults with delirium. We found that this group cannot manage these devices independently and need support from either a carer or healthcare professional. These results provide useful information to help pilot these devices among older adults with delirium in virtual ward settings.
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