Implementation and use of GPS alarms in municipal health and social care: A work method

Research problem and questions: Older persons are vulnerable in many ways, especially in regard to isolation and involuntary loneliness. Welfare technology can break this isolation. One example of welfare technology is personal security alarms.

An issue with this type of alarms is that they increase the risk of isolation as they only work inside the users’ home.

Meaning that that people with reduced physical function and/or cognitive impairments are at risk of becoming isolated due to fear of falling or losing their way. An alternative to these alarms is GPS alarm. GPS alarm aim to support users in independent activities of daily living, both indoors and outdoors.

Despite benefits, the adoption of GPS alarms is slow.

The National Board of Health and Welfare has demonstrated that one reason for why municipalities hesitate to introduce GPS alarms is because the technology creates challenges in the organization of alarm management.

They have shown that several municipalities in Sweden that already have introduced GPS alarms do not have a well-thought-out organization and routines for the use of GPS alarms where healthcare staff in a secure manner can respond to an alarm and safely bring home the user.

Research related to GPS alarms is limited, which makes it difficult for municipal health and social care to develop an evidence-based organization for handling/managing alarms.

And the limited research that exists has also shown that there is a lack of evidence related to the effects of GPS alarms on the older person.

Hence, the aim of this project is to develop an evidence-based work method for the introduction and use of GPS alarms in municipal health and social care based on the needs of the individual user.

Method and Plan for project: In order to assure the quality of the alarm chain, it need to be studied from the perspective from all involved actors; users, relatives, healthcare staff, alarm receivers and suppliers. To our knowledge, this type of research is lacking today.

The work method will be developed through qualitative research (interviews, observations, workshops) and will be carried out in three work packages. Relevance: Older persons are vulnerable in many ways, especially with regard to involuntary loneliness.

Social isolation and feeling of loneliness have consequences on mental health by increasing the risk for depression and anxiety. GPS alarms can support users in independent activities of daily living and reduce the feeling of loneliness.