(1) Effectiveness, social and wellbeing impact and usability of environmental control systems for individuals with neurological conditions: a systematic review, (2) The impact of smart glasses on the usability and satisfaction of operating an environmental control system, (3) Do environmental control systems affect mental health and psychological well-being? A pilot study

1. Effectiveness, social and wellbeing impact and usability of environmental control systems for individuals with neurological conditions: a systematic review abstract

Purpose
Environmental control systems (ECS) are designed to assist people with disabilities live more independently by facilitating access to electronics devices around the home. These devices are prescribed and managed by healthcare services within the UK. Despite this there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness. This review aims to provide an update on the state of evidence for ECS.

Materials and methods
A systematic review was conducted using key words linked to ECSs and with a target population of individuals with neurological conditions. The search was in the databases Embase and MEDLINE and covered articles published between 2011 and 2024. The abstracts were screened for inclusion and data extracted. The quality of the research was assessed by completing qualitative CASP checklists.

Results
After screening seven articles were selected for inclusion in the review. There were no comparative studies; all were descriptive. Six articles reported increased independence. Impact on well-being and usability was reported across all studies with mixed results. Assessment using CASP checklists indicated the studies were of good quality within the limitations of non-experimental designs.

Conclusions
There remains limited research in the ECS field. The evidence for the effectiveness, impact on wellbeing and usability of these devices remains weak. Future studies should consider before and after designs and control conditions to improve the evidence base.

2. The impact of smart glasses on the usability and satisfaction of operating an environmental control system abstract

Purpose
The majority of environmental control systems (ECSs) require a screen to be visible to the user and therefore they require suitable mounting. Using a smart glasses display could improve this arrangement. The aim of this study is to explore with service users the usability and satisfaction of smart glasses when operating an ECS.

Materials and methods
A satisfaction survey was undertaken with users, this captured data prior and post a trial of using smart glasses with their device. In addition, semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants to explore the impact of smart glasses on the satisfaction and usability of their devices.

Results
In general the users’ satisfaction decreased after the trial. This was associated with disadvantages of the smart glasses, which included creating a visual barrier and positioning. The most reported advantage was the use of the system in alternative positions where it is challenging to mount a standard display.

Conclusions
Overall the participants in this study did not benefit from the use of smart glasses, despite this, some key advantages to using smart glasses were identified. With further development, there is potential that smart glasses could be an effective display for an ECS and support independence for users.

3. Do environmental control systems affect mental health and psychological well-being? A pilot study abstract

Purpose
There is very little research specifically investigating the mental health and psychological well-being impact of environmental control systems (ECSs). Consequently, this study was conceived to refine which methods and instruments are best suited for exploring this area of research.

Materials and methods
Two well established instruments the PROMIS-10 and PIADS-10 were used to investigate the impact of ECSs on mental health and psychological well-being. Further data were collected using a custom designed questionnaire. Data were collected before intervention, at 3 weeks, and at 8 weeks post intervention.

Results
Four participants took part in the study and completed the instruments in all three stages of the study. When considering the score delta (over the whole time period), this increased for all participants and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold was surpassed for both of the mental health and psychological well-being instruments. Results also demonstrated that the majority of participants were satisfied with their devices and relied less on family and carers to assist them controlling electronic devices around the home.

Conclusions
This pilot study demonstrates the potential of using the PROMIS-10 instrument, the PIADS-10 instrument, and a study specific questionnaire to assess the impact of ECSs on users’ mental health and psychological well-being. The approach could be used to build high quality evidence for the provision and use of ECSs.

Outputs

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2570500

https://aaate2025.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2025/09/Short_Papers_Collection_Volume_final.pdf