Implementation of a tablet-based care prevention programme-information and communication technology-integrated occupational therapy for older adults with cognitive decline.

Abstract

Objective: This case report examines the implementation of a tablet-based care prevention program for an older adult with cognitive decline, aiming to enhance Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and social participation through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-integrated occupational therapy.

Case presentation: The participant was an 80-year-old male diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with a history of glaucoma and hypertension. Despite prior exposure to tablets, he lacked confidence in their use. He enrolled in a community-based ICT support program to improve daily activity engagement. Intervention: A four-month intervention, consisting of two sessions per month, was conducted. Initial assessments included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire-Japanese (MDPQ-J), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The intervention involved guided tablet use, environmental modifications (tablet stand and stylus adaptation), and training in digital mapping and drawing applications.

Outcomes: After the intervention, the MDPQ-J score improved from 9.58/40 to 13.96/40, and COPM satisfaction scores increased for both digital mapping (4/10 to 6/10) and drawing (5/10 to 7/10). The WHOQOL-BREF score increased from 66 to 70. The participant demonstrated improved ICT confidence and expanded daily activity engagement.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of ICT-integrated occupational therapy in enhancing IADL among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive decline. Future research should focus on both testing and developing structured ICT-based interventions to further support social participation and daily independence.