Techno-organisational network and reliable implementation of GPS technology for people with dementia and their caregivers in the community

Background: There is a limited understanding of the intricate web of roles and expectations of social-material actors in implementing GPS technology in community settings. This study provides deeper insights into family caregivers’ experiences using GPS technology for individuals with dementia. 

Methods: Fourteen individual dyads (a person with dementia and nominated caregiver) out of 45 who received GPS trackers and were followed for six months as part of a GPS feasibility trial attended focus group interviews. The focus group was guided by semi-structured questions based on three primary outcomes: reduced burden of care (care factors), quality of life of the wearer (wearer factors), and practicalities of the device (device factors). Data was coded inductively using NVivo Pro version 12.6.1, and analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis. 

Results: The findings suggest that family caregivers experienced reduced stress and anxiety when using GPS technology since they could pinpoint the exact location of the person with dementia at any given time. The effectiveness or otherwise of socio-material actors (e.g., individuals with dementia, GPS device features, mobile networks, neighbours’) informed caregivers’ overall experience and determined how much longer the technology was used. These factors were crucial in the social inclusion of individuals with dementia in public spaces and in deciding whether GPS technology could delay early admission into 24-hour care. 

Conclusions: Our findings highlight important practical implications. Implementation of GPS technology in community family care settings relies on the effective delegation of roles among various human (carers, wearers, neighbours) and non-human (devices, mobile networks, GPS systems) actors.