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. 2017 Oct 31:4:2055668317733382.
doi: 10.1177/2055668317733382. eCollection 2017 Jan-Dec.

Use of touchscreen tablet technology by people with dementia in homes: A scoping review

Danielle Hitch  1 , Jodie Swan  1 , Ruth Pattison  1 , Rachel Stefaniak  1
Affiliations

Use of touchscreen tablet technology by people with dementia in homes: A scoping review

Danielle Hitch et al. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng. .

Abstract

Background: The aim of this scoping review was to identify the range, extent and nature of research around the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia in their home environment, particularly in regards to its use as a means of supporting participation in meaningful and socially connected activity.

Methods: A review of both peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken across 61 databases, along with reference list checking for articles published between 2010 and 2016.

Results: Twelve articles were included in this review, predominantly from Western European cultures and community-based home environments. The studies were exploratory in nature, with the majority focusing on the development of applications for people with dementia.

Conclusions: The study identified a range of exploratory research related to the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia. However, there were significant gaps within this evidence base, which provide opportunities for further research using more robust methodologies. Given the ubiquitous nature of touchscreen tablets in modern communities, further research could facilitate their use as a minimally stigmatizing and culturally appropriate form of support for people with dementia.

Keywords: Dementia; apps; iPads; touchscreen.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Screening process for scoping review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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