Technology and Dementia Preconference.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Remote monitoring tools offer valuable data but face feasibility concerns in clinical settings.
• A patient-centred design is crucial for tool effectiveness and data quality in memory clinics.
• The study aimed to integrate Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) into developing a remote monitoring study for the Oxford Brain Health Clinic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically integrate PPI in the development of a remote monitoring study.
• To ensure the study design is patient-centred, effective, and well-tolerated by memory clinic populations.
• To produce high-quality data through a user-informed approach.

Main Methods:

• Engaged people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, relatives, and dementia research volunteers.
• Utilized workshops, surveys, user-testing, co-production with a lay member, and PPI panel consultations.
• Incorporated feedback on relevance of outcome measures, choice in assessments, and digital task improvements.

Main Results:

• PPI significantly shaped the research, emphasizing relevant outcome measures (activity, memory, relationships, care needs) and patient choice.
• Improvements were suggested for digital tasks, including device compatibility and analogue alternatives.
• The resulting study design maximizes patient/relative choice and collects data on high-priority outcomes, deemed acceptable and feasible by PPI consultants.

Conclusions:

• Integrating PPI created a patient-centred remote monitoring study aligned with patient and relative needs.
• PPI is invaluable for digital assessment studies in clinical populations, challenging assumptions and improving outcomes.
• This approach enhances study acceptability and ultimately promotes greater inclusion.