Affiliations: [a] Coventry University, Coventry, UK | [b] ADASS, West Midlands, UK
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Nikki Holliday, Centre for Technology Enabled Health Research, Coventry University, Mile Lane, Coventry, CV1 2NL, UK. E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information surrounding assistive
technology in general, but in particular, surrounding fall detectors and
their use. This paper describes the results specifically pertaining to
access to and provision of information regarding fall detectors which arose
from a previous project exploring the use of fall detectors in the West
Midlands. OBJECTIVE: To develop a range of resources to help inform and
support people at risk of falling, based upon the findings of a previous
project which aimed to evaluate the use of fall detectors in the West
Midlands. METHODS: A combination of focus groups and user interviews were
used to explore the successful and unsuccessful use of fall detectors across
the West Midlands region in the UK. A range of resources were iteratively
developed based upon the findings of these user interviews. RESULTS: There was a lack of information for both the public and
health and social care professionals with regards to the availability,
advantages, disadvantages, indication and contra-indications of fall
detectors, as well as lack of wider information regarding falls. CONCLUSIONS: The project developed a range of information resources
based upon the project findings, which have been so far well-received by the
public and health and social care professionals. Further research must be
conducted to ascertain full impact.
Keywords: Assistive technology, older people, fall detectors, telecare, information provision
