Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Older People and South Planning Team is thrilled to share the remarkable outcomes of our Connected Care and Wellbeing Community Alexa Trial, which has significantly improved the lives of our service users. This innovative initiative, which began in April 2024, has not only met but exceeded our expectations, leading to additional funding for a second phase.

As part of the 5G Innovation Region Programme funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), we have had the opportunity to trial the use of Alexa within our telecare service. In the first phase we deployed 75 devices to service users in the community with an aim of tackling digital exclusion, increasing digital skills and reducing social isolation.

Service users' experiences

The heart of our trial lies in the real-life experiences of our participants. Here are some inspiring stories (all names have been anonymised):

Mr. Rogers: Living with diabetes and facing challenges like limited dexterity and significant pain, Mr. Rogers found a new companion in Alexa. He uses the device to get quick information, set reminders for cooking and control his lamp with a smart plug, which helps him avoid painful movements. Mr. Rogers said, “I haven’t burnt a meal in months,” thanks to Alexa's timely reminders. He also feels less lonely, comparing Alexa to talking to his dogs, which helps with his depression.

Mrs. Lennon: Recently widowed and diagnosed with diabetes, Mrs. Lennon was initially wary of technology. However, Alexa has become her reliable assistant, reminding her to take her medication and attend medical appointments. She also uses Alexa to manage her diet by checking the sugar content of foods. Mrs. Lennon feels more in control of her health and is reassured by the support Alexa provides.

Mrs. O’Neill: With physical and mental health challenges, Mrs. O’Neill has found Alexa to be a lifeline. She uses it to set medication reminders, listen to the radio, and even get jokes, which brighten her day. Mrs. O’Neill feels more confident with technology and believes Alexa has helped her stay out of the hospital by ensuring she takes her medication regularly.

Staff experiences

Our team have also witnessed first-hand the benefits that this trial has brought to service users, here’s what they had to say:

Eilidh Connolly, Senior Officer said: “The success of this trial is a testament to the power of technology in transforming lives. We’re excited to continue this journey and see even more positive outcomes in Phase 2.”

Debbie Reilly, Telecare Resource Worker said: “Supporting the older participants to use new technology has been interesting. I wasn’t sure when introducing Alexa to some, as not everyone had internet, which was a clear barrier. Once the ease of use was explained, voice activated, some service users were immediately intrigued as to what they could use Alexa for. Adding Smart Plugs has helped improve confidence and enabled some to see a more practical relevance. The service users who are using Alexa for practical support, for example, medication prompts, cooking times and appointment reminders, are now relying on this. This has made a tremendous improvement for their day-to-day lives. Personally, I’ve been heartened and impressed as to how much support this type of technology has given some service users which is exciting. Alexa has also provided some entertainment with music and general knowledge.”

Paul Molloy, Telecare Resource Worker: “It’s been great to have been part of this project. To see the participants become more comfortable with technology as well as making Alexa part of their daily routine. I’m excited to see the further progress our journey with Alexa will bring.”

Amazon Alexa Smart Properties Devices

During this project we’ve had the opportunity to partner with Amazon and Censis to deploy Amazon Alexa Smart Property devices. These devices differ from standard consumer Alexa devices.
Amazon Alexa Smart Properties service allows fleet management of devices, which crucially means these devices can be deployed and managed at scale without the need for individual user accounts.
Another key feature of these smart property Alexa devices is that the devices don’t store or share data, and don’t require the service user to input any personal data. 

The success of Phase 1

Phase 1 of the trial has been a resounding success, with 89% of participants finding the device easy to use by the end of the trial. The voice activation feature was particularly beneficial, making technology accessible even to those with limited digital skills. The trial demonstrated significant positive impacts, including:

• improved quality of life: 64% of participants reported that Alexa improved their quality of life by providing access to entertainment.
• increased engagement: 59% found it easier to stay engaged with information they were interested in.
• enhanced daily organisation: 52% felt more in control of their daily lives with Alexa's help.
• greater connectedness: 34% felt more connected to their community and the world.

These impressive results have secured additional funding for Phase 2, allowing us to expand the trial and explore even more ways Alexa can support our service users.

Looking ahead

As we move into Phase 2, we aim to enhance the functionality of the devices, addressing feedback from participants about accessing more music, radio stations and other resources. We also plan to explore the potential of using Alexa for accessing a wider range of health and social care services, ensuring interoperability with other technology with one combined interface for the future.