Integrating technology into geriatric care: Assessment of the acceptance and preferences of older adults in Hangzhou, China on the ‘Internet Plus’ healthcare model
- Author:
Yun-zhao Lin
1
,
2
;
Meng-meng Lin
1
,
2
;
Erlinda C. Palaganas
1
,
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Internet Plus; Older Adult Care; Technology Integration; Health Maintenance
- MeSH: Community Services; Social Welfare
- From: Philippine Journal of Nursing 2024;94(2):85-97
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Hangzhou, a digital leader in China, is pioneering the development of an 'Internet Plus' medical and geriatric services system designed to leverage the city's advanced digital infrastructure, extensive medical resources, and strong government support to address the healthcare needs of its elderly population. Despite the surge in the use of such technology, there remains a gap in the comprehension and perception of such technological solutions and how the said solutions can be effectively integrated into community-based services to meet the elderly's complex healthcare needs. This study, therefore, aimed to explore not only the preferences and acceptability of the 'Internet Plus' model among elderly residents in Hangzhou, but to also identify the key factors that influence the successful integration of such technology into elderly-focused care services.
METHODSThe study used quantitative surveys and qualitative data to better understand geriatric requirements. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 908 elderly residents across various communities in Hangzhou, measuring the utilization and the preferences for diferent older adults care services. Purposive sampling was alsodone on 15 participants who underwent in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was statistically analyzed using SPSS 26.0 while qualitative data was processed using Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software.
RESULTSThe analysis of survey responses from 908 elderly residents in Hangzhou, combined with qualitative interviews, provided a comprehensive view of the preferences and needs regarding the "Internet Plus" elderly care system. Majority of respondents at 91.3% favored technology-assisted home care, emphasizing the convenience and comfort it offers. The "Internet Plus" model for medical services was preferred by 96.4%, suggesting a strong inclination towards technology-enabled healthcare access. Comprehensive health maintenance was considered important by 94.4% of participants thereby highlighting the need for ongoing health support. The qualitative analysis corroborated these findings, with elderly participants expressing a strong desire for home-based medical services and the importance of reliable emergency medical assistance.
CONCLUSIONThe study affirmed a pronounced preference for technology-assisted healthcare among Hangzhou's elderly, underscoring a critical shift towards patient-centric models. To optimize elderly care, it was also discovered how imperative it was to expand home care technologies, to fortify the 'Internet Plus' healthcare framework, and to augment community health centers for holistic care. Integrating swift emergency response systems was also found out to be essential in order to ensure that the 'Internet Plus' model not only meets but exceeds the evolving healthcare demands of the aging population.
- Full text:20241226090633224796.pdf