Smart Technology in the Home for People Living in the Community with Mental Illness and Physical Comorbidities

Abstract

This study evaluated a smart technology intervention in the home as a support for individuals with severe mental illness. This study recruited 13 participants in a variety of community-based homes. Participants were offered a smartphone, a touchscreen monitor and health devices such as smartwatches, weigh-scales, and automated medication dispensers. Data was exported to the Lawson Integrated DataBase for care providers to monitor/track. Interviews with participants and focus groups with participants and care providers were conducted at baseline, 6-months and 12-months, and survey instruments were used to collect quantitative data about different dimensions of health and social determinants. Descriptive statistics from these outcome measures are presented as the sample size was too small for meaningful statistical inference. Qualitative analyses revealed a high degree of acceptability of the devices and motivation for healthy living, communication and mental health. Health Care Providers also noted improvements to client health. This study proves the feasibility of deploying smart technologies to support individuals with severe mental illness. Future scale-up would further our understanding of their impacts.