Assessment of drinking vessel design and use by older adults in a care setting
A multiple methods approach
A multiple methods approach.
Many older people struggle to drink from typical drinking vessels used in care settings. Previous work by UWL researchers has found features such as weight, shape and handle size affect how easily older people find them to use. However, very little is known about the exact features that make some cups easier to handle and drink from.
We interviewed some older people to find out their views on the features of cups/mugs they prefer and use video cameras to build 3D virtual reconstructions of them drinking. These reconstructions will be used to measure the type, speed, smoothness, and complexity of grip formation and how the cup is lifted and drunk from.
About the project
The proposed study used multiple methods approach undertaken in two phases.
Phase 1: Exploring the opinions of older people about the preferred characteristics of drinking vessels
This phase explored older people's opinions about drinking vessels, their preferences and the characteristics that impede or facilitate drinking. Two focus groups were held in the form of a tea party. Different types of drinking vessels were provided for participants to use during the focus group.
Participants were asked to rank the drinking vessels according to pre-defined characteristics, e.g. weight, material, handle shape, ease of handling. In addition, a semi-structured topic guide was used to explore their perceptions of the drinking vessels in relation to design and ease of handling and specific features that enhance or impede their use and provide more detailed contextual data on the reasons underpinning preferences.
Phase 2: Measuring the parameters of drinking and how these are affected by drinking vessel
Participants for phase 2 were be recruited from focus group attendees. We collected quantitative data using videogrammetry (a flexible, quick, contactless technique which uses minimal space). We filmed five individuals drinking from up to three different vessels, assessing vessels rated highly and poorly in Phase 1.
We used this footage to create a series of 3D reconstructions of each drinking event to determine quantifiable factors that influence the use of drinking vessels e.g., type of grips used, speed, smoothness and complexity of grip formation, alongside measuring data about cup motion e.g. ease of lifting, duration of cup to mouth, handle size etc.
Impact, research team and publications
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Impact
The results of this study will improve our understanding of hand performance when drinking. It will inform design guidelines for optimising drinking vessels and influence the purchasing of those most suitable for supporting the hydration of older people.
Improving drinking vessel design will support older people in sustaining optimal hydration independently and reducing their risk of adverse events associated with dehydration such as falls, infections and stroke.
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Research team members
- Professor Jennie Wilson - Professor of Healthcare Epidemiology (UWL)
- Alastar Yoxall (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Jennifer Rowson (University of Sheffield)
- William Sellers (University of Manchester)
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Research publications
Yoxall, Alaster, Tingle, Alison, Hart, John, Rowson, Jen, Lucas, Inna and Wilson, Jennie (2023) “Fancy a Brew? “: Understanding factors influencing ease of use of cups used in care homes. Clinical Nutrition Open Science, 50. pp. 27-39. ISSN 2667-2685
Additional information
- This study is funded by the Abbeyfield Research Foundation.
- For more information, please contact Professor Jennie Wilson: jennie.wilson@uwl.ac.uk
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