Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to design a companion booklet and pilot test it with a
voice-controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPA), like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, to
provide homebound older adult patients with skills and tools to help manage social isolation.
Study summary:
The objective of this pilot study is to design a companion booklet and pilot test it with a
voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant (VIPA), Google Home or Amazon Alexa, to
provide patients with skills and tools to help manage their social isolation. The companion
booklet is a document that will be created using feedback obtained from a panel of geriatric
experts, highlighting features of the VIPA that may be most beneficial to socially-isolated
older adults. It will be submitted to the IRB for approval once finalized. The specific aims
of this project are to:
Aim 1: Design a companion booklet to be used in conjunction with a VIPA (Google Home/Amazon
Alexa) for improving social isolation and communication among homebound older adults, defined
as someone who is unable to leave the home without assistance of a device or another person,
due to a physical or cognitive condition.
Aim 2: Assess the feasibility and implementation of the VIPA (Google Home/Amazon Alexa) and
the companion booklet and its impact on clinical and functional outcomes for older adults
with social isolation.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 65 years or older;
- Homebound patients of the Northwestern Medicine Geriatrics Program;
- English-speaking; and
- Able to verbally consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Condition that limits ability to consent, such as severe cognitive impairment or lack
of English proficiency
- Less than 65 years of age