Determinants of Successful Implementation of Assistive Technologies for Dementia: Exploratory Survey

Despite positive results for the use of assistive technologies (ATs) in dementia, the uptake of ATs lags behind. It is considered important to assess determinants of successful or unsuccessful implementation of ATs.

We explored factors that influence the implementation of ATs for community-dwelling people with dementia, with the aim to better understand potentially effective implementation strategies.

A cross-sectional survey for researchers was developed and disseminated, exploring factors that influence either successful or unsuccessful implementation of ATs for dementia. The survey consisted of closed and open questions.

The response rate was 10% (21/206); the 21 respondents who completed the survey were from 8 countries. Determinants of implementation were described for 21 ATs, of which 12 were successfully and 9 were unsuccessfully implemented. Various types of ATs were included, such as online platforms, sensors, or physical aids. The 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.

This study provided insight into some main barriers to and facilitators of implementation of ATs in dementia related to the AT itself, context, research-related activities, and applied implementation strategies. Lessons were formulated for various stakeholders to improve the implementation effectiveness of ATs in dementia.