Digital technologies support meaningful connections in care homes

What the study found: Digital technologies have been used in care homes to facilitate meaningful connections, and the review suggests they act as a catalyst for human connection rather than a replacement. The technologies identified included robotics, virtual reality, mobile or tablet apps, digital devices, and online programs.

Why the authors say this matters: The study suggests that meaningful connections are important for social health and well-being, and the authors conclude that digital technology may help address social isolation risks in care homes. They also say future work should consider generative artificial intelligence with key stakeholders so that developments meet the social needs of the wider community.

What the researchers tested: The authors conducted a scoping review of English-language studies about care home residents, relatives, or staff that directly discussed a digital technology used to build meaningful connections. They searched six databases, gray literature, and citation lists, and included 72 studies published with no date limit.

What worked and what didn't: The review found factors linked to meaningful connections such as getting to know the person, increased autonomy and choice, enjoyment and fun, communication, and community. Reported indicators included engagement, well-being or satisfaction, emotional response, quality of life, purpose and meaning, social closeness, loneliness, depression and anxiety, and psychosocial capacity. The evidence base for generative artificial intelligence was identified as a gap.

What to keep in mind: The review was limited to English-language studies, may have missed some studies on social connection, excluded passive technologies, and included heterogeneous outcome measures. The abstract does not describe more detailed study-level limitations beyond these points.

Key points

• The review included 72 studies on digital technologies used to support meaningful connections in care homes.
• Technologies identified included robotics, virtual reality, mobile or tablet apps, digital devices, and online programs.
• The authors conclude that digital technology can support human connection rather than replace it.
• Generative artificial intelligence was described as a gap in the current evidence base.
• The review was limited to English-language studies and excluded passive technologies.