What is HomeLab?
As elements of healthcare shift from traditional healthcare facilities to the home, and active adults turn to technologies to help them live healthy lifestyles, there are an increasing number of products moving into the market to answer this demand. The goals of these products are broad, but many are intended to provide long-term benefits. Healthcare providers, insurers, home care providers, as well as informal caregivers and the individuals themselves are seeking products that will help them accomplish their goals, whether that means keeping individuals out of the hospital, helping them live healthier lifestyles, or reducing burden in caring for a loved one.
In answer to this need, Georgia Tech is creating HomeLab, a network of 550 individuals, age 50 and older, who are willing to use such products in their home over a time period ranging from one month to six months or possibly longer. Relevant information about each individual, including their health, family, and home will be maintained to assist in identifying participants for targeted product research studies.
In addition, Georgia Tech also has the human factors expertise on staff to design, plan, and conduct such studies as well as analyze data, and develop reports on the study findings.
Who Might Benefit?
Companies interested in an independent evaluation of their emerging home health and wellness technology products, pre-market or on the market.
Insurance companies and healthcare providers interested in evaluating new products for potential inclusion in their business plan.
Home care providers evaluating new technologies to help them better manage their care.
Becoming a Participant
If you would like to become a participant in HomeLab, or would like to learn more, please send your contact information to renita.folds@gtri.gatech.edu. Let us know your preferred method of contact (e-mail or phone), and a good time to get in touch with you.
Enrolling a Product
If you are interested in learning more about submitting a product for evaluation in HomeLab, please use the contact information below.
Dr. Brad Fain Director, HomeLab Head, Human Systems Engineering , Georgia Tech Research Institute brad.fain@gtri.gatech.edu 404-407-7261
Brian Jones: Director, Aware Home Research Initiative, Senior Research Engineer, Interactive Media Technology Center Georgia Tech brian.jones@imtc.gatech.edu 404-894-1074
For more information visit the HomeLab website.
