The Effectiveness of Assistive Technologies for Older Adults and the Influence of Frailty: Systematic Literature Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
JMIR Aging
Fotteler, M. L., Mühlbauer, V., et al. (2022).
JMIR Aging, 5(2), e31916.
This systematic review investigates the effects of various assistive technologies for older adults with frailty or pre-frailty. Findings relevant to hearing aids and medication management tools are included within this article summary, as all other assistive devices are outside of SLP and audiology scope.
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
January 1, 2009 to March 15, 2019
Randomized controlled trials
19
Technological cognitive supports for medication management (e.g., talking medication bottle, reminder systems, apps) generally did not improve medication adherence for older adults with frailty, and one study demonstrated positive results in well-functioning, pre-frail older adults.
In a limited number of studies (N), the use of hearing aids resulted in:<br />
<ul>
<li>improved hearing benefit, with greater satisfaction seen for individuals with best-practice hearing aids versus those with over-the-counter devices (N=1); and</li>
<li>no significant improvement in dementia-related symptoms, quality of life, or care partner benefit (N=2). </li>
</ul>
Limitations to this review include an overall paucity of evidence and significant potential for bias. Further research is indicated.
