Acceptability of Remote Monitoring in Assisted Living/Smart Homes in the United Kingdom and Associated Use of Sounds and Vibrations—A Systematic Review

Abstract

The ageing of populations is increasing pressure on health and social care systems. Potentially, assistive technologies are a way to support the independence of older adults in their daily activities. Among existing assistive technologies, ambient sensing technologies have received less attention than wearable systems. Moreover, there has been little research into cheaper technologies capable of using multiple modalities. A systematic review of the acceptability of assisted living or smart homes in the United Kingdom and the simultaneous use of sounds and vibrations in remote monitoring of assisted living or smart homes will inform and encourage the use of digital monitoring technologies. The acceptability of sensing technologies depends on whether there is any social stigma about their use, for example, the extent to which they invade privacy. The United Kingdom studies reviewed suggest a lack of measurements of the perceived efficacy or effectiveness of the monitoring devices. The primary use of vibration or acoustic technologies has been for detecting falls rather than monitoring health. The review findings suggest the need for further exploration of the acceptability and applicability of remote monitoring technologies, as well as a need for more research into the simultaneous use of sounds and vibrations in health monitoring.