What the study found
The review found that digital technologies are being used in care homes to facilitate meaningful connections among residents, relatives, and staff. It also found that these technologies are described as supporting human connection rather than replacing it.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that meaningful connections are important for social health and well-being, especially in care homes where social isolation is a risk. They also suggest that digital technology may be a catalyst for meaningful human connection, and note a gap in evidence on generative artificial intelligence for this setting.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a scoping review, which is a type of evidence-mapping study that collects and summarizes research on a topic. They searched six databases, gray literature, and citation lists, included English-language studies involving care home residents, relatives, or staff, and selected papers that directly discussed digital technology for building meaningful connections.
What worked and what didn't
The review included 72 studies, with more than half published since 2022. Technologies used included robotics, virtual reality, mobile or tablet apps, digital devices, and online programs. Reported factors linked to meaningful connections included getting to know the person, increased autonomy and choice, enjoyment and fun, communication, and community building; indicators included engagement, well-being or satisfaction, emotional response, quality of life, purpose and meaning, social closeness, loneliness, depression and anxiety, and psychosocial capacity.
What to keep in mind
The abstract notes several limitations: the review only included English-language studies, some relevant studies on social connection may have been missed, passive technologies were excluded, and outcome measures were varied. The evidence base for generative artificial intelligence in care homes was described as a gap, and the abstract does not report a single pooled effect.
Key points
- The review included 72 studies on digital technologies and meaningful connections in care homes.
- Technologies identified included robotics, virtual reality, mobile or tablet apps, digital devices, and online programs.
- The authors say these technologies can act as a catalyst for human connection rather than a replacement.
- More than half of the included studies were published since 2022.
- The abstract identifies a gap in evidence on generative artificial intelligence in care homes.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Digital technologies can support meaningful connections in care homes
- Authors:
- Deborah Muldrew, Rosemary Bradley, Kelly Conway
- Institutions:
- University of Ulster, University of Ulster, University of Ulster
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-26
- DOI:
- 10.2196/88181
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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