Brief description of research
In an earlier project (MASQUE1), we developed a first version of a garment with sensors (wearable) for the early detection of stress in people with dementia or an intellectual disability. In this research we will work with clients, informal caregivers, healthcare providers and other experts to further develop, validate and implement the wearable for people with dementia and people with intellectual disabilities in long-term care.
Research
People with dementia and people with an intellectual disability are often sensitive to stress, but
are not always able to communicate this well. If increasing stress not identified in time, it can lead to misunderstood behaviour. This misunderstood behaviour has a negative impact on the quality of life of the client and their loved ones, complicates care and support, and increases the workload of healthcare staff, which can lead to increased absenteeism due to illness and staff turnover.
In MASQUE2 we will test whether the wearable, a sock, can measure stress in a comfortable and effective way for people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability in long-term care.
In phase 1, we will first test the sock in a group of healthy elderly people. This sock is combined with a HUME sensor system to detect stress. This sensor system has been shown to work well in healthy adults and people with intellectual disabilities.
In phase 2, we will introduce the sock with the sensor system in at least four long-term care institutions (two in dementia care and two in care for the mentally handicapped). We want to investigate whether the use of the sock is effective in practice and whether the system contributes to the reduction of misunderstood behaviour in people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability. We also want to investigate the effect on clients (apart from misunderstood behavior), their loved ones and care staff. A process evaluation will also be conducted for the purpose of drawing up a generic implementation plan, and we will inventory the costs of using the sensor system to formulate a business case.
For more information on the previous project: MASQUE1.