A Living Lab in the Quebec’s Homes for older adults with a neurocognitive disorder: aiming to improve the personalization of long‐term care and the self‐determination of residents and their relatives
Carol Hudon, Alexandra Ribon‐Demars, Charles Batcho, Nouha Ben Gaied, Andreanne Blanchette, Francois Bolduc, Caroline Charest, Nancy Cote, Olivier Collomb‐d'Eyrames, Simon Duchesne, Isabelle Feillou, Elise Fortin, Caroline Gagnon, Andrée Giguère, Anik Giguère, Line Guénette, Marie‐Soleil Hardy, Maude Laberge, Marie‐Eve Labonte, Louise Langevin, Judith Lapierre, Joel Macoir, Bradford James McFadyen, Pierre‐Olivier Methot, Laura Monetta, Anne‐Sophie Morisset, Valerie Peters, Emilie Raymond, Francois Routier, Sonia Singamalum, Pascal Tanguay, Phillippe Voyer- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Neurology (clinical)
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Abstract
Background
The “ Quebec’s Homes for Older Adults with a Neurocognitive Disorder ” (QHOA) model aims to improve the quality of residential and long‐term care environments for people losing their autonomy. Considering the major paradigm shift behind the QHOA philosophy, it seemed timely to co‐construct a Living Lab‐type structural organisation whose main mission will be to contribute to the sustainability of the new model.
Objectives
Since 2021, we have been co‐constructing links between scientists, decision‐makers, staff (carers, cooks, housekeepers, etc.), QHOA stakeholders and, above all, the community and its seniors. Our structure is a Living Lab and the main objective is to cyclically and participatively co‐construct a set of solutions applicable to QHOAs. Our work will encourage the design and development of sustainable solutions by considering human (e.g., self‐determination, personalization of care), environmental (e.g., layout and design, camouflage strategies), technological (e.g., sensors, cameras, connected watches and scales, artificial intelligence, software for care and medication), work organization, and continuous training of stakeholders.
Results
The co‐construction process involved more than 40 researchers, clinicians, decision‐makers, or stakeholders. We have all been able to delineate the structure of the Living Lab and how knowledge will be disseminated, rallied, and promoted. This presentation will resume the main steps (including successes and challenges) of our work.
Implications
A Living Lab is a place for collaboration, exchange, and co‐creation. The actors in the field have the most relevant knowledge of the living context in which the projects will be deployed. Our intersectoral team (20 fields of expertise) will provide the scientific knowledge to ensure the sustainability and ongoing development of the QHOA model.