Exploring the Use of Real-time Location Systems (RTLS) in the Care of People Living With Dementia
Despite growing interest in using location tracking technologies to improve quality and efficiency of dementia care, research on their implementation and use in long-term care homes is scarce.
In this qualitative study we explored the experiences of residents, care partners, direct care staff, managers, and administrators at one home that implemented a commercially available RTLS.
Our findings demonstrate socio-technical and ethical complexities of implementing surveillance technologies like RTLS in long-term care. These must be addressed in future implementations to ensure that these technologies do not compromise the dignity and rights of residents and staff.
Published Resources
Grigorovich, A., Kulandaivelu, Y., Newman, K., Bianchi, A., Khan, S. S., Iaboni, A., & McMurray, J. (2021). Factors affecting the implementation, use, and adoption of real-time location system technology for persons living with cognitive disabilities in long-term care homes: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(1), e22831.
Grigorovich, A., Harvey, K., Levy, A., Haslam-Larmer, L., Shum, L. C., Iaboni, A., & McMurray, J. (2025). Real-time location system implementation in dementia care: Stakeholder perspectives. The Gerontologist, 65(12), gnaf244.
Our Research Objectives
01
To Explore the attitudes and experiences of residents, care partners, and organizational decision-makers with the adoption of RTLS in long-term care home to identify specific values and preferences.
02
To describe the impact of RTLS on residents, care partners and organizational decision-makers.
03
To identify the individual and organizational values and preferences, and the technical features, that influence stakeholders’ decision-making with respect to adoption and refusal of RTLS over time.