The Feasibility of Using Videophones for Assessing Cognitively Impaired Seniors in Their Homes
By Liu, Lili; Miyazaki, Masako; Simmons, Doneka; RESNA 27th International Annual Conference 2004: Technology & Disability: Research, Design, Practice, & Policy,Publication Date: 2004
Study conducted to investigate the feasibility of using a plain old telephone (POTS)-based videophone to assess home-dwelling senior citizens with cognitive disabilities. Eight people with Alzheimer’s disease and their spouses participated in the study. The participants completed the Mini-Mental State Exam and the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam. The tests were completed once in a face-to-face interview, and then again with a different interview using the Starview 2000 VideoTelephone, which utilizes standard telephone lines and allows the user to make or receive calls to ordinary telephones. Features include an onscreen user setup interface, and a hands-free speakerphone. The Safety Assessment Scale and the Global Deterioration Scale were also administered in both conditions. Statistical analyses demonstrated no differences across the two conditions for both mental status examinations. Caregivers scored their spouses slightly worse in the Safety Assessment Scale during the videophone condition. Most of the participants and their spouses were comfortable with their abilities to use the videophone, and would recommend for others to use the system for their clinical needs.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
