Evaluating technology‐based reminiscence for engagement and socialization in aged care: Time travelling with technology

Background Technology offers promise of increased engagement with individuals in aged care. Reminiscence therapy (RT) stimulates discussion of past events and experiences (Woods, et al., 2018). Google Earth and Street View on a large display is readily available technology to support reminiscence. In this study, technology‐enhanced RT is operationalized as dynamic images panning the environment (High‐Tech condition), compared with static images (Low‐Tech/control condition). Behaviour and cognition were appraised pre and post the 6‐week intervention (called Time Travelling with Technology) using the NPI‐NH and discourse interviews to measure communication. If technology‐enhanced RT supports engagement, then NPI and communication scores will not worsen when pre and post intervention scores are compared. Method Participants were nine clients (8 female, mean age: 79, range: 72‐90, SD : 6.892) at an aged care day respite facility in Sydney, Australia, with comparable MMSE scores. Using a repeated measures and counterbalanced design, the High‐Tech and Low‐Tech condition each ran for 6 weeks, separated by a 3‐week break. The weekly sessions consisted of groups of 2‐4 clients for approximately 30 minutes. Each session displayed locations of significance to the clients on a flat screen television. Before and after the intervention, NPI‐NH and discourse interviews (Chapman, et al., 2004) were administered. Result Attendance was consistently high across the program (79%). Comparing pre‐ to post‐intervention, NPI‐NH scores did not worsen in either Low‐Tech ( p =0.92) or High‐Tech (p=0.74) conditions. There was no significant effect of intervention or technology on communication scores, p s>0.25. Inter‐rater reliability in scoring discourse interviews was positive and strong, r( 7) = 0.95, p < 0.0001. Conclusion The attendance rate highlights the feasibility and enjoyment of the Time Travelling with Technology program. No deterioration in NPI‐NH or communication across the program supported the hypothesis. While cautious interpretation is needed, these data are encouraging. Data collection from a larger sample for greater statistical power is underway. Further measures of engagement such as facial expressions and language change over time will also be reported.