Conclusion
We introduced the system OdAMS for monitoring the functional status of older adults in daily life. The system linked IMU and home automation sensor data to three different ICF categories and raises an alarm if a change in one category was detected. The application to data of 20 (pre-)frail older adults showed the validity of the system. Moreover, we showed how OdAMS would be used by physiotherapists in two exemplary cases. Combining smart-home sensor systems with the ICF enables clinicians to tailor rehabilitation programmes to individuals and thereby improve their outcomes. Nevertheless, the system could be beneficial for the entire multi-disciplinary team—including physicians, nutritionists, and pharmacists amongst others. Our results are encouraging and future research should be directed to the possible impact on research and society.OdAMS’s potential impact on research is to enable researchers to conduct high-quality, reproducible, and transparent interdisciplinary research. The ICF provides a common language for describing and classifying a person’s functional abilities across multiple disciplines. Using the ICF categories and items as a basis allows medical professionals from different fields to collaborate and identify relations between different medical aspects. For example, if the component 2 and component 3 are always raising alarms at the same time, that would be an indication for a relation between ICF items b530 weight maintenance functions and e115/e245 products and technology for personal use/time related changes. Regarding interdisciplinary research between physician-scientists and computer scientists, the linking of data to the ICF items bridges the gap between disciplines. Physician–scientists could choose the ICF category and the specific items they want to investigate and what information they need. Based on that decision they can involve computer scientists to choose the data and the sensors according to their needs.In society, the system has the potential to improve the quality of life of older adults by enabling them to living longer independently and to meet their psychological needs. In addition, the system enables physicians and medical professionals to apply individualised care and rehabilitation interventions. This would improve the well-being and physical condition of older people. It also supports the goal of rehabilitation to enable older people to maintain their independent daily lives. Therefore, the system supports physicians at assessing and keeping track of functional abilities and the effect of exercise programmes.