University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Seeing dementia through their eyes (Living with Dementia)

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) worked with eDigital Health Media Ltd, through the Accelerate Wales programme, to deliver support for people living with dementia in a different and innovative way.

Research undertaken by the ATiC team in a period of just over a year informed a series of 10 new films, entitled Living well with Dementia, which focus on delivering support, training, and education for dementia patients, their families, carers, and healthcare professionals.

The research used advanced user experience (UX) and human behavioural research tools, such as eye-tracking and facial expression recognition technology, in the creation and evaluation of the films.

The films, which are now free to view in Wales following funding from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, are available on eHealth Digital Media’s established PocketMedic platform, which delivers high-quality health information films ‘prescribed’ by clinicians to support their patients in managing their health.

The wider collaboration also involved Swansea University’s Centre for Innovative Ageing, and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care team.

What the Judges Thought

The judges were impressed with the innovative use of technology for social benefit and the film footage which was instructive for carers and others engaging with people with dementia.

What it Means to Win

‘We are delighted to be recognised for this prestigious award. It reaffirms the importance of collaborative partnerships between the University and enterprises in accelerating innovation and developing more sustainable models of practice. This project supports our key priorities to build strong digital learning foundations to develop employable, resilient, digitally literate graduates, whilst ensuring accessibility and equality for all.’

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. First-hand recordings/behavioural observations of people living with dementia captures daily challenges in a compelling way.
2. Analysis of behaviours encouraged broader discussions on how best to support those living with dementia.
3. Evaluations of films by carers/clinicians provided rich feedback confirming how invaluable they were for training.