Patient-Related Barriers to Digital Technology Adoption in Alzheimer Disease: Systematic Review

Digital technology in dementia is an area of great development with varying experiences across countries. However, novel digital solutions often lack a patient-oriented perspective, and several relevant barriers prevent their use in clinics.

In this study, we reviewed the existing literature on knowledge, familiarity, and competence in using digital technology and on attitude and experiences with digital tools in Alzheimer disease. The main research question is whether digital competence and attitudes of patients and caregivers may affect the adoption of digital technology.

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted by two researchers in the group. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with Cohen κ statistics. The risk of bias assessment was also recorded.

Of 597 initial records, only 18 papers were considered eligible. Analyses of inter-rater reliability showed good agreement levels. Significant heterogeneity in study design, sample features, and measurement tools emerged across studies. Quality assessment showed a middle-high overall quality of evidence. The main factors affecting the adoption of digital technology in patients and caregivers are severity of cognitive deficits, timing of adoption, and the availability of training and support. Additional factors are age, type of digital device, and ease of use of the digital solution.

Adoption of digital technology in dementia is hampered by many patient-related barriers. Improving digital competence in patient-caregiver dyads and implementing systematic, patient-oriented strategies for the development and use of digital tools are needed for a successful incorporation of digital technology in memory clinics.