ORCID
- Jones, Ray: 0000-0002-2963-3421
- Maramba, Inocencio: 0000-0002-5464-6021
- Warren, Alison: 0000-0002-1529-7586
- Križaj, Tanja: 0000-0001-5940-3064
- Chatterjee, Arunangsu: 0000-0002-9506-6007
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The use of smart speakers to improve well-being had been trialed in social care by others; however, we were not aware of their implementation in most care homes across a region in the Southwest of the United Kingdom. For the widespread adoption of new technology, it must be locally demonstrable and become normalized. OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to install smart speakers in care homes in a rural and coastal region and to explore if and how the devices were being used, the barriers to their implementation, and their potential benefits. METHODS
Email, workshops, drop-in sessions, phone, and cold calling was used to contact all 230 care homes, offering a free smart speaker and some advisory support. Care homes accepting the devices were asked to complete a feedback diary. Nonresponse rate for diary completion was high and was thus supplemented with a telephone survey. RESULTS
Over the course of 7 months, we installed 156 devices in 92 care homes for older people, 50 devices for people with physical or mental health needs, and 8 for others. The devices were used mainly for music but also for poetry, recipes, light controls, jokes, and video calls. Care home managers reported the benefits for the residents, including enhanced engagement with home activities, enjoyment, calming effects, and the acquisition of new skills. Implementation problems included internet connectivity, staff capacity, and skills. CONCLUSIONS
Affordable consumer devices such as smart speakers should be installed in all care homes to benefit residents. Voice-activated technologies are easy to use and promote interaction. This study indicates that implementation in care homes was possible and that smart speakers had multifaceted benefits for residents and staff. Most care homes in this region now use smart speakers for their residents, thereby normalizing this practice.
DOI
10.2196/26767
Publication Date
2021-12-20
Publication Title
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Volume
23
Issue
12
ISSN
1439-4456
Embargo Period
2022-02-12
Organisational Unit
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Recommended Citation
Edwards, K. J., Jones, R., Shenton, D., Page, T., Maramba, I., Warren, A., Fraser, F., Križaj, T., Coombe, T., Cowls, H., & Chatterjee, A. (2021) 'The Use of Smart Speakers in Care Home Residents: Implementation Study', Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(12). Available at: https://doi.org/10.2196/26767
