Developing a pragmatic evaluation of ICTs for older adults with cognitive impairment at scale : the IN LIFE experience

Implementing information and communications technology (ICT) at scale requires evaluation processes to capture the impacton users as well as the infrastructure into which it is being introduced. For older adults living with cognitive impairment, thisrequires evaluation that can accommodate diferent levels of cognitive impairment, alongside input from family and formalcaregivers, plus stakeholder organisations. The European Horizon 2020 project INdependent LIving support Functions forthe Elderly (IN LIFE) set out to integrate 17 technologies into a single digital platform for older people living with cognitive impairment plus their families, care providers and stakeholders. The IN LIFE evaluation took place across six nationalpilot sites to examine a number of variables including impact on the users, user acceptance of the individual services andthe overall platform, plus the economic case for the IN LIFE platform. The results confrmed the interest and need amongolder adults, family caregivers, formal caregivers and stakeholders, for information and communications technology (ICT).Relative to the baseline, quality of life improved and cognition stabilised; however, there was an overall reluctance to payfor the platform. The fndings provide insights into existing barriers and challenges for adoption of ICT for older peopleliving with cognitive impairment.Funding: This project was funded by PHC-20–2014, Grant agreement no: 643442) IN LIFE from the European Commission, as part of the Horizon 2020 program.