Intelligent IoT System Requirements to Support Self-Management for People with Learning Disabilities – A Study with Care Providers

Internet of Things (IoT) technology and Smart Home (SH) solutions are a growing area of research and development, particularly within health and social care where they have potential to offer information and support for self-management and independent living. However, successful design and deployment of these technologies are predicated on a clear understanding of user aspirations, needs, and requirements. This paper presents findings from seven one-to-one interviews with care staff who contributed their experiences representing a diverse range of job roles and categories of service-users supported. Our participants were from a regional supported-living provider with facilities for people with learning disabilities. The interviews provided insight into care service provision and service-users’ needs, as well as helping to identify areas of the current service that can be supported by IoT based intelligent systems. The feedback that staff provided was based on their knowledge and understanding of the needs of specific service user groups and included information regarding the appropriateness and applicability of the technologies, as well as the appeal, acceptability and usability of these solutions.