The aim of this study was to gain insight into how robots can be practically implemented into current education and therapy interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This qualitative study included focus groups and co-creation sessions. 73 Participants (professionals and adults with ASD) took part in 13 focus groups to elicit requirements for robot assisted interventions. Additionally, 22 participants (professionals, parents of children with ASD and adults with ASD) generated ideas for interventions using robot KASPAR in three co-creation sessions. This study resulted in: an overview of requirements concerning the robot, end-user, environment and practical implementation; a template to systematically describe robot interventions in general and for KASPAR in particular; and finally new interventions.

Background: Independent living may become a threat for frail elderly persons when their situation deteriorates. Formal and informal caregivers often worry about the safety of the elderly person living alone. Activity monitoring may be assistive in ho

Do-it-yourself (DiY) assistive technology gained attention in accessibility literature recently, especially in relation to the rise of digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing. Previously, small-scale studies showed that care professionals generally respond positively towards the idea of creating DiY assistive devices for their clients. However, several barriers and concerns may hinder care professionals’ actual adoption of digital fabrication technologies. To better understand occupational therapists’ willingness to adopt 3D printing, we have conducted an exploratory survey study ( ) based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Confirming previous studies, occupational therapists in this study showed generally positive attitudes towards adopting 3D printing technology. Factors that may affect their intentions to use 3D printing technology include expectations regarding job performance, effort, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as well as one’s tendency to adopt novel technologies. Furthermore, occupational therapists will likely experience difficulties when first using 3D printing technology, despite their overall positive expectations of the ease of use. Therefore, we recommend that further research should focus on training, but especially on effective ways to support occupational therapists on the job, for instance, by facilitating collaborations with 3D printing experts.

Background: Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are seen as key to the inclusion and participation of people with dementia and carers. Dementia-friendly initiatives (DFIs) are important building blocks for the growth of DFCs. The collaboration between different stakeholders is a central aspect in developing and sustaining DFIs. Aim: This study tests and refines an initial theory about collaborating for DFIs with special attention for the involvement of people with dementia and their carers during the collaboration for DFIs. The realist approach is used for deepening contextual aspects, mechanisms, outcomes, and its explanatory power. Methods: A participatory case study design using qualitative data (focus groups, observations, reflections, minutes from meetings, and exit interviews) was executed in four Dutch municipalities that have ambitions to become dementia- friendly communities. Results: The refined theory on the collaboration for DFIs incorporates contextual aspects such as diversity, shared insights, and clarity. It draws attention to the importance of mechanisms such as the recognition of efforts and progress, informal distributed leadership, interdependency, belonging, significance, and commitment. These mechanisms resonate with feeling useful and feeling collectively powerful in the collaboration. The outcomes of collaboration were activation, getting new ideas, and fun. Our findings address how stakeholders’ routines and perspectives impact the involvement of people with dementia and their carers during collaboration. Conclusion: This study provides detailed information about collaboration for DFIs. The collaboration for DFIs is largely influenced by feeling useful and collectively powerful. Further research is needed to understand how these mechanisms can be triggered with the involvement of people with dementia and their carers in the heart of the collaboration.

Background: In long-term elderly care, sleeping problems regularly occur in nursing home residents with dementia. Three elderly care organizations in the Netherlands developed a sleeping protocol and App called ‘Night&Rest’. Objective: To examine (1) effects of Night&Rest on the number of bedexits and moments of nocturnal restlessness and (2) experiences of professionals with Night&Rest and the value for their clients and their own work perception. Methods: A Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) with a pre- and post-measurement was used. Registration forms were used to gather data on residents’ characteristics, type of sleeping problem, frequency of nocturnal restlessness and bed exits. Semi-structured interviews were conducted afterwards with professionals involved. Results: A total of 15 residents were included in the study. Results on the registration forms showed a reduction in the number restlessness and bed exits among the majority of participants. Results of the interviews indicated predominantly positive experiences with Night&Rest. Professionals appreciated the structured guidance and accompanying tools to identify sleeping problems and select interventions. Conclusion: Mainly positive experiences and effects of Night&Rest were found on both residents with dementia and care professionals. Large-scale research into long-term effects and further implementation in psychogeriatric care is recommended.