GPS trackers in dementia patients to improve quality of life
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A longitudinal pilot study to investigate the use of GPS trackers in dementia patients who are at risk of wandering
IRAS ID
297216
Contact name
Michael Doyle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People who have been diagnosed with a dementia or mild cognitive impairment can sometimes come to harm through wandering. They can get lost and can sometimes put themselves in great danger as a result. Wandering behaviour can also be a key factor in necessitating transfer to a 24 hour care facility.
This study aims to look at ways that the harm caused by wandering behaviour can be reduced. It aims to do this by giving GPS tracker devices and accompanying software to individuals and their carers so that if the individual with dementia or mild cognitive impairment wanders, they can be easily and safely found.
We are interested in whether the trackers decrease the incidence of harm that can come from wandering, prolong independence in the individual's own home, and to . reduce the use of the police to help locate the individuals. We are also interested in whether this intervention has an affect on the quality of life of both the individual and their carers. Finally, we are also interested in whether this technology is usable and acceptable.
We will recruit patients known to the Barnsley and Wakefield memory services and offer them the chance to be part of this trial. The trial period will be for six months and project will take 12 months to complete.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0290
Date of REC Opinion
30 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion