‘Alexa, how should I cope with a global pandemic?’
Echo device has helped the elderly and people with special needs with their medication and staying active
APILOT project has been launched which has seen 400 people in North Staffordshire receive an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa to support them in their daily lives.
Thanks to funding from national NHS sources, retired GP Dr Ruth Chambers and medical students Gabby Johnson and Paul Beaney were able to deliver the smart home systems to those most in need.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, 250 have been distributed, with the rest being sent out before the pandemic hit.
The aim of the project was to get the technology to those who would benefit most – including frail elderly people and those with special educational needs.
They were then given instructions on how to use them.
Alexa was able to help people with reminders – such as when to take their medication – recipes and cooking skills, games, and communicating with their loved ones in lockdown.
All participants were supported with a handbook and flashcards and had ongoing support from staff at Wavemaker, based at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley.
Dr Chambers, from Tunstall, said that for many, Alexa has gone on to become ‘a second brain’.
She said: “We wanted to look at the various uses of Alexa and what aspects of life it can change for the better.
“Alexa has many positive features and we have found that 34 per cent of recipients used their Amazon Alexa to help them adhere to the medication they take everyday.
“Alexa can also help you to learn more about your condition. People with diabetes told us that Alexa helped them to calculate the amount of carbohydrates in their meals and calculate their insulin units. “One person was able to reduce their night-time insulin dose all thanks to Alexa as they now had better management of their diabetes.
“One recipient has said that they haven’t missed a pill since having Alexa. It can really be your second brain.”
Alexa has also proved to be highly effective at helping participants to exercise – as well as learning new skills.
The team behind the project followed up with 173 participants who received their Echo Dot during the pandemic, and 52 who received it before.
Dr Chambers added: “We found that 26 per cent of the post-outbreak group and 12 per cent of the pre-outbreak group told us that they were able to use Alexa to find out more about healthier recipes.
“In addition, 24 per cent of our post-outbreak group told us that Alexa had encouraged them to exercise more frequently due to the wide range of apps available to download onto the device, such as a chair workout.
“One recipient in particular told us that their risk of falls had significantly decreased as they were able to engage in exercise each day with the help of Alexa.”
Recipients were also able to take advantage of different entertainment, such as listening to music, taking part in quizzes, enjoying audiobooks and playing bingo.
Dr Chambers, left, said: “During the outbreak, Alexa has been able to fill even more roles by helping those isolating to communicate with family, friends and care-providers.
“Alexa has been a companion for people at a very difficult time and has opened up a whole new world. She has become a companion, comedian and chef.
“We want to embrace the digital age and empower people to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing.
“Technology is not there to replace healthcare professionals, but rather it’s an extension of what we can provide to patients.”