Effectiveness of IoT-based Fall Surveillance System for the Elderly Integrated with Family and Community Participation in Ban Dan Lan Hoi District, Sukhothai Province.

Abstract

     This study was a quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effectiveness of an IoT-based fall detection and monitoring system for elderly people integrated with family and community participation in Ban Dan Lan Hoi District, Sukhothai Province. The total sample consisted of 30 participants, divided into an experimental group of 15 people and a control group of 15 people. The intervention tool was an IoT-based fall detection and monitoring system comprising 4 steps: identification and screening of at-risk individuals, awareness building and education for fall prevention using Becker and Maiman's (1975) concepts, follow-up counseling, and the use of wearable smartwatches. The intervention period lasted 3 months. Data collection instruments included a 4-part questionnaire covering general information, fall surveillance knowledge, fall prevention behaviors, and system satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean comparisons using the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test.

     The research findings showed that after using the system, the experimental group had significantly higher median scores for fall surveillance knowledge and fall prevention behaviors compared to before using the system (p<0.001). The experimental group's fall incidents decreased from 3 cases to 0 cases, while the control group decreased from 2 cases to 1 case. System satisfaction was at a high level (3.59 ± 0.29 points), with the benefits and impact dimension receiving the highest score (4.12 ± 0.49 points).