A systematic review of lifestyle monitoring technologies

Lifestyle, or behavioural monitoring is an important element of telecare research where changes in activity profiles are used as a proxy to highlight a change in an individual’s health or care status. However, despite the promise of this approach for users and care providers it has been slow to develop. A literature review was undertaken to establish the current position with regard to lifestyle monitoring and to use this to inform requirements for the future development and implementation of such systems. In total, 74 papers met the inclusion criteria. Only 4 papers reported trials involving 20 or more individuals with a further 17 papers reporting trials involving one or more individuals. Most papers (n=53) were concerned with technology development initiatives. With respect to the technologies and strategies employed, motion monitoring dominated, followed by door and electrical appliance usage. The predominant monitoring strategy is that of detecting changes in activity levels. However, it was noticeable that little attention was given to determining when or how changes in the profile of activity should be used to raise a call for assistance from a health or care professional.