Guest Post
I-Smell: Engage with Digital Smell Training
Smell training is a tool that is promoted to people to as a way of potentially helping to rehabilitate olfactory function. It might also be beneficial for older people to promote independence and an enhanced quality of life, something that the I-Smell project will explore.
I-Smell is a collaboration led by a research team at University College London to explore digital smell training using an odour emitting device which will be placed in people’s homes. Fifth Sense is a project partner. Part of this work will be to explore how it can become part of a daily routine and see what, if any, barriers there are to people undertaking regular, mindful smelling using the device. For more information on the project visit www.smell-care.co.uk
The project will focus on two initial age groups for this early-stage feasibility research:
- People aged between 65 and 75 years of age with no smell disorder
- People aged between 45 and 55 years of age with smell disorders (of various causes).
The I-Smell team are looking to recruit participants to help with the project, as follows:
I-Smell Are Currently Recruiting for Three Different Areas |
You will be asked to take part in our digital smell training for 6 months. We will install the device in your house, and we will show you how to use the app to control the device. As part of the training, you will be asked to take part in a training session of 5min duration every day. At the end of each week, you will be asked to complete a testing session. During the 6-month study, you will have the opportunity to engage with the researchers (face to face and virtually), engage with the other users to create a sense of community, strength your sense of smell and take part in several events.
You will be asked to interact with the device prototype and the App, engage in a group activity with other participants & researchers to discuss possible problems and solutions related to our digital smell training, and share your experience with smell impairments and smell training.
We are looking for public and patient volunteers to be part of our panel that oversees the work of the project. The PPI panel will meet in person at the beginning and the end, aligned with project meetings/workshops and the final event, and throughout on a bi-monthly basis (virtual/remote or whenever possible in person). This will allow the project team to share updates, ask questions and advise on procedures, results, and outcomes, and identify new activities.