Occupational therapists’ perspectives on consumer wearable smartwatches for falls detection in older adults - a cross-sectional survey

Introduction:
Falls and related injuries requiring rehabilitation are a frequent occurrence in older people. There are several commercially available assistive technologies available that aim to prevent and detect falls. The latest advancement is automatic falls detection in the form of wrist-worn technology referred to as a smartwatch. Sold as a consumer item, this paper explores the potential clinical application of smartwatches to occupational therapy practice and aimed to understand occupational therapists’ perceptions of using smartwatches to detect falls in older adults (aged over 60).

Methods:
An exploratory quantitative study using an online self-administered survey was used to gather data including: (1) multiple choice questions on demographics, (2) Likert scale questions using the Technology Acceptance Model to understand therapists’ perceptions, and (3) open-ended questions to explore facilitators and barriers to using smartwatches to detect falls.

Results:
A total of 36 participants fully completed the survey, showing that occupational therapists are open to prescribing smartwatches for fall detection purposes. Personal, environmental, and occupational facilitators and barriers to utilising smartwatches for falls detection were identified by thematic analysis.

Conclusion:
Smartwatches are perceived as a promising option as a fall detection device for some of the population. Identified barriers reported relate to the end user’s ability to manage a smartwatch, therapist skills and knowledge regarding smartwatches and limited insight into funding. Smartwatches are not a solution for everyone, however, do provide an additional choice to keep older people at risk of falls safe and the reassurance that if they fall, help can be alerted.