Digital home care interventions and quality of primary care for older adults: a scoping review

Ísis de Siqueira Silva, Aguinaldo José de Araújo, Rayssa Horácio Lopes, Cícera Renata Diniz Vieira Silva, Pedro Bezerra Xavier, Renan Cabral de Figueirêdo, Ewerton William Gomes Brito, Luís Velez Lapão, Cláudia Santos Martiniano, Vilani Medeiros de Araújo Nunes, Severina Alice da Costa Uchôa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background: Population aging is forcing the transformation of health care. Long-term care in the home is complex and involves complex communication with primary care services. In this scenario, the expansion of digital health has the potential to improve access to home-based primary care; however, the use of technologies can increase inequalities in access to health for an important part of the population. The aim of this study was to identify and map the uses and types of digital health interventions and their impacts on the quality of home-based primary care for older adults. Methods: This is a broad and systematized scoping review with rigorous synthesis of knowledge directed by the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data were analyzed through basic qualitative content analysis, considering the organizational, relational, interpersonal and technical dimensions of care. The preliminary results were subjected to consultation with stakeholders to identify strengths and limitations, as well as potential forms of socialization. Results: The mapping showed the distribution of publications in 18 countries and in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Older adults have benefited from the use of different digital health strategies; however, this review also addresses limitations and challenges, such as the need for digital literacy and technological infrastructure. In addition to the impacts of technologies on the quality of health care. Conclusions: The review gathered priority themes for the equitable implementation of digital health, such as access to home caregivers and digital tools, importance of digital literacy and involvement of patients and their caregivers in health decisions and design of technologies, which must be prioritized to overcome limitations and challenges, focusing on improving quality of life, shorter hospitalization time and autonomy of older adults.

Original languageEnglish
Article number507
JournalBMC Geriatrics
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Digital health
  • Geriatric care
  • Home-based primary care
  • Primary health care
  • Quality in healthcare
  • Scoping review

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