Use of dementia care technologies to increase engagement and reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with dementia in a specialist dementia care ward

Introduction: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common and challenging to manage in hospital settings. BPSD can be exacerbated by environmental factors, patient disengagement, and unmet needs. Dementia care technologies offer a promising way to engage individuals in meaningful activities and reduce BPSD. Despite growing interest, evidence remains limited, particularly in clinical settings and among individuals with advanced dementia, highlighting the need for further research into real-world effectiveness and uptake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three dementia care technologies on patient engagement and behaviour in a specialist dementia care hospital ward. Methods: A pre-post design involving people with dementia admitted to a specialist dementia care ward was implemented. Participants were invited to use technologies available on the ward (a virtual reality program, the HUG™ device, or the Tovertafel) with the support of an allied health assistant. Engagement and behaviour of participants was rated before, during, and shortly after technology use. Ward-level data on behavioural incidents and medication administration were analysed to explore the wider impact of technology use. Results: A total of 182 sessions were completed using one of the three technologies. Participants included people who were considered to have severe BPSD and few people declined use. There were significant improvements in all patient behaviours during and immediately after technology use for all three technologies. Analyses suggested that following implementation of the technologies, there was a significant change in trend for serious behavioural incidents. Discussion: Dementia care technologies appear feasible and effective in reducing BPSD in the short term for a range of people with dementia. Dementia care technologies can be used to offer individualised activity experiences in a specialist dementia care ward.