| Sumario: | Purpose Despite many innovative approaches and ideas, there are on the market just a view well examined services for supporting a self-determined life (AAL-Services). This clinical field trial (SmartSenior@home) was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and its primary goal is to examine the usability of the SmartSenior system that has been developed over a 3-year, user-centered development and integration process1,2. Method A variety of home based assistive services, like communication with relatives or an assistance center, meal service, or health motoring are represented among Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), and telemedicine platforms. Service delivery is established through a service portal, displayed on a TV, and controlled by a touch pad or remote. Sensors at home detect situations like unattended, open doors and give feedback to the user via a smart phone or wrist watch. The prospective cohort study took place in 35 apartments with 35 older adults between 55-88 years of age. During the study, the usability, user acceptance, and attractiveness of the SmartSenior services was examined by log data analysis, in-home interviews, cognitive assessments, and questionnaires regarding fine motor skills, mobility, and usability. Measuring device usability was implicit, as part of the usability evaluation. Results & Discussion The average acceptance rate of offered services was good to very good. The most frequently used services were health related, such as video conversations with the telemedicine center or blood pressure checks. Technical system usability and technical support were well accepted. There were no adverse effects in the elderly resulting from the use of the devices. Nevertheless technical stability, installation, and the cost of multi-platform AAL-Systems have to be improved in order for them to be ready for the market.
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