Engaging Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment in Digital Health Technologies: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Digital Health
• Neuroscience and Health Technology

Background:

• Aging populations, particularly in Canada, face rising rates of cognitive impairment.
• Digital health technologies offer potential for cognitive health promotion in older adults.
• Effective use of digital health requires user engagement, especially for those with cognitive disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the conceptualization and assessment of digital health technology engagement in older adults with cognitive impairment.
• To explore the relationship between engagement levels and the effectiveness of digital health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review employing Arksey and O'Malley's method, guided by Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR checklist.
• Systematic literature search across major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar) without time restrictions.
• Independent title, abstract, and full-text screening by two reviewers, with data extraction and narrative synthesis using concept mapping.

Main Results:

• Search strategy development and study selection phases were completed by July 2024.
• Data extraction and analysis commenced in August 2024.
• Results are anticipated for dissemination in November 2024.

Conclusions:

• This review will offer a comprehensive overview of how engagement with digital health technologies is understood and measured in older adults with cognitive impairment.
• Findings will enhance understanding of the link between engagement levels and the efficacy of digital health interventions for neurocognitive disorders.