Evaluating the Acceptability and Appropriateness of the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT): Qualitative Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND: The Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT) is a mobile app developed to provide rapid, highly accurate assessments of the home environment. It uses 3D-capture technologies to help people identify and address functional limitations and environmental barriers. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to gain stakeholder feedback on the acceptability and appropriateness of the ARHAT for identifying and addressing barriers within home environments. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted because it allows for variability when obtaining data and seeks to understand stakeholders’ insights on an understudied phenomenon. Each stakeholder group (occupational therapists, housing professionals, and aging adult and caregiver “dyads”) participated in a 60-minute, web-based focus group via a secure Zoom platform. Focus group data were analyzed by 2 trained qualitative research team members using a framework method for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 19 stakeholders, aged from 18 to 85+ years, were included in the study. Of the occupational therapists (n=5, 26%), housing professionals (n=3, 16%), and dyads (n=11, 58%), a total of 32% (n=6) were male and 68% (n=13) were female, with most living in the Midwestern United States (n=10, 53%). The focus group data demonstrate the acceptability and appropriateness of the workflow, style, measurement tools, and impact of the ARHAT. All stakeholders stated that they could see the ARHAT being used at many different levels and by any population. Dyads specifically mentioned that the ARHAT would allow them to do forward planning and made them think of home modifications in a new light. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders found the ARHAT to be acceptable and appropriate for identifying and addressing functional limitations and barriers in the home environment. This study highlights the importance of considering the workflow, style, measurement tools, and potential impact of home assessment technology early in the developmental process.