A Fall Risk Evaluation and Feedback System for Older Adults: From a Technical to a Sociotechnical Need

Isa Jahnke, Lorraine J. Phillips, Fatih Demir, Carmen Abbott and Marjorie Skubic
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Isa Jahnke: University of Missouri-Columbia, USA
Lorraine J. Phillips: University of Delaware, USA
Fatih Demir: Northern Illinois University, USA
Carmen Abbott: University of Missouri, USA
Marjorie Skubic: University of Missouri, USA

International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development (IJSKD), 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 105-118

Abstract: Falls are widespread among older adults causing serious injuries and threatening their quality of life. An approach to estimate fall risk, and to prevent falls, is the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test. The TUG test has established validity and reliability. However, as a clinical test, it is not accessible for personal use. To enhance its reach, the authors developed a prototype called Fall Risk Evaluation and Feedback System (FREFS). The prototype is a Kinect-based depth sensor system with interfaces that support older adults in completing the TUG test and receiving personalized test results. The personalized feedback feature is novel that existing prototypes do not include. This study's goal was to gain knowledge of the user experience of FREFS. This research applied methods of observation, interviews, and collected responses on the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results show participants perceived the system as usable, with SUS score of 84.3, but also revealed issues. First, users were unsure how to deal with the TUG tests results when the results showed high fall risk. Second, clearer instructions and reduction of information overload specifically for these age groups were needed. Third, a communication approach embedded into the system would be required (i.e., a link to a chatbot feature or a button to connect to a real person). Overall, the study demonstrated that such a prototype cannot be fully automated; it needs a sociotechnical system solution that includes human communication.

Date: 2021
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