Voice Technology-Based Self-Management Intervention

Summary

This study aims to test a new technology-based program designed to help improve the ability to manage chronic conditions. This program includes daily smart speaker use for managing different tasks and technology learning. Proper self-management of chronic conditions is critical to the maintenance of health. Digital technologies offer substantial potential to enhance self-management behaviors. Voice-operated smart speakers hold promise due to their ability to provide functional, cognitive, and social stimulation, send targeted reminders, and assist with daily schedules. Unfortunately, many older adults who live in low-income communities lack the resources and proficiency to take advantage of these options. Additionally, cognitive impairment is prevalent in independent living older adults, more prevalent in low-income older adults. The goal is to address these critical challenges by identifying smart speaker-based functions preferred by older adults, exploring their technology challenges, introducing them to these functions, and providing necessary technology training to improve self-efficacy in managing chronic conditions and enhance their engagement in self-management behaviors.

Interventions

• Voice-activated smart speakers · OTHER

  Participants will attend a single 90 to 120-minute in-person baseline visit to complete standardized questionnaires and review a list of smart speaker-based tasks. They will select three tasks; all will receive an Echo Show and a Fitbit Versa. Additional digital health devices (e.g., blood pressure monitor, in-home motion sensors) will be provided based on their selections. Participants will learn to interact with Alexa, followed by a second home visit one week later for task-specific setup and device installation. The team will conduct weekly or bi-weekly check-in calls for two months, with additional home visits as needed. At two months, a home visit will include questionnaires and a 30-60 minute interview on intervention feasibility. Participants will then use the devices independently for one month, with a final home visit at three months for questionnaires and a closing interview.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Persons 55 years of age and older,
* Living in subsidized housing or with a housing voucher and having an annual income less than $30K,
* One or more chronic conditions,
* Having probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on the education-adjusted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score less than 24 and greater than or equal to 18,
* Living alone independently, and
* Able to speak and read English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe visual/hearing impairment requiring assistance in participating in interactions with the smart speaker and integrated devices,
* Self-reported diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias,
* Significant medical illness interfering with the study assessments and activities,
* Inability to provide informed consent, and
* Nursing home residents.
* Eligibility will not be limited to smart speaker ownership.

Sites (1)

• Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia · RECRUITING