A feasibility RCT of a digital programme to prevent falls and improve well-being in people living with dementia

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Jaheeda Gangannagaripalli1; Saima Ahmed1; Amelia Parchment1; Chunhu Shi1; Rachel Christie1; Schenelle Dlima1; Chris Todd1; Emma Vardy2; Emma Stanmore1
1. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK& NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), Manchester, UK; 2. Royal Oldham hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Scientific Research
SP - Falls
Dementia
View DOI

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are common and costly for people living with Dementia (PLwD).  “Keep on Keep up (KOKU),” (https://kokuhealth.com/ [kokuhealth.com]) is a UK National Health Service (NHS) approved tablet-based, digital gamified programme with strength and balance exercises and health literacy games specifically designed WITH older people FOR older people at risk of falls [1]. KOKU-LITE is a dementia-friendly accessible version of KOKU that has been co-developed WITH people living with dementia to suit their needs. This trial aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of KOKU-LITE programme in community dwelling people living with dementia.

Methods: We randomised 60/60 participants (community-dwelling people living with dementia (≥55 years) to either intervention group (KOKU-LITE programme + dementia-specific falls prevention leaflet) or control group (dementia-specific falls prevention leaflet) for 6 weeks. Outcome measures include: Primary outcomes: recruitment, retention and adherence rates; secondary outcomes: quality of life, participants' Activities of Daily Living, physical activity levels, functional ability, lower limb strength, fear of falling, falls risk, mood, and user’s experience of the technology. Post-intervention interviews and focus groups were conducted with participants and health and social care professionals (HSCPs) respectively to assess the feasibility of the trial processes and associated technology. These qualitative methods also evaluated the usability and acceptability of the intervention from both the user (PLwD) and provider perspectives. Analyses will be descriptive.

Results: Preliminary results (completion rates for baseline (60/60) participants and follow-ups (54/60) and interviews (n=15) & focus groups (n=2 with 11 HSCPs)) indicate that the KOKU-LITE programme is well-received by people living with dementia, emphasising its feasibility and acceptability.

Conclusion: Participants considered KOKU-LITE to be a useful tool. The preliminary interview findings further supported the data gathered from the feasibility assessment. 

References: 1) Choi NG, et.al. J Appl Gerontol. 2021;40(11):1483-91

Comments

Great poster & interesting study. Falls education & falls prevention is often challenging to successfully complete for people living with dementia so it's great to know that an application like KOKU-LITE exists and that you have received positive feedback on it. Do you know if this is available for use outside of the UK? 

Submitted by clionadoyle@svhg.ie on

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Hi Cliona,

Many thanks for your interest in our study and for your comment. Yes, KOKU-LITE can be used outside of the UK. Happy to provide further details and happy to have a chat too.

Thanks,

Jaheeda

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