Co-production in clinical practice: a case-study of engagement with patients with dementia and Huntington's disease to develop meaningful cognitive activities
Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
Article publication date: 14 September 2023
Issue publication date: 16 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The development and clinical application of digital devices to support individuals with dementia can be challenging due to difficulties meeting the needs of a patient population with largely heterogeneous and progressive symptoms. Memjo Ltd has developed a digital interactive prototype tablet to promote cognitive stimulation and reminiscence. This proof-of-concept case-study aims to understand whether the engagement of individuals with dementia and Huntington's disease (HD) at an early stage is a useful approach to inform the initial development of meaningful digital activities and ultimately its potential introduction into clinical practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Five patients with dementia and HD at different stages of progression were recruited from an inpatient secure psychiatric hospital. Engagement, usability and preliminary benefits were assessed using a mixed-methods approach through observations, open-ended questions and subjective ratings.
Findings
The content of the tool triggered reminiscence, discussion and positive behavioural and emotional responses. The participants were confident using the tablet but needed support interacting with the touchscreen and, at times, to encourage communication. “Music” and “Videos”, were particularly successful in engaging most participants despite their cognitive and physical difficulties.
Originality/value
This case-study shows that co-production in clinical practice can be successfully implemented to develop activities that meet the interests and needs of patients with dementia and Huntington's disease. The varied and flexible assessment provided rich feedback that will be used to improve the device. This highlights avenues of focus for the development of future pools of activities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all participants, nurses and clinical staff who contributed to this study, Eleanor Millard for the support provided for the completion of the study and Sarrah Fatima for the assistance in the preparation of the manuscript.
Citation
Girardi, A., Webb, E., Stewart, I., Stokes, S. and Breen, K. (2023), "Co-production in clinical practice: a case-study of engagement with patients with dementia and Huntington's disease to develop meaningful cognitive activities", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 54-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-04-2022-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited