Healthcare Providers’ perspectives on the adoption of Smart Care Technologies in Korean Long-Term Care Hospitals
- Author:
Seok Gyu KIM
1
;
Soong-Nang JANG
;
Hyuk GA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2026;30(2):208-216
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Many smart care technologies have been developed recently, but it remains unclear which of them are necessary for use in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).
Methods:A total of 114 physicians, registered nurses (RNs), nurse assistants (NAs), and care assistants (CAs) from eight LTCHs completed a survey assessing perceived needs for 10 smart care technologies using 5-point Likert scales. One-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post-hoc tests, Friedman tests, and simple linear regression were used to examine differences by occupation and hospital characteristics. Additionally, focus group interviews with 10 participants were done.
Results:Mean perceived need for smart care technologies was 3.99, with the highest ratings for smart mattresses (4.14), all-in-one patient transfer robots (4.09), and smart monitoring systems (4.06). Regarding the most preferred by occupation, physicians chose smart monitoring systems (4.19) and leg-care devices (4.19), RNs chose smart mattresses (4.11), NAs chose radar-based fall detection devices (4.22), and CAs chose all-in-one patient transport robots (4.36). Perceived need for smart care technologies was higher in LTCHs with lower monthly family fees and in those without a rehabilitation service, explaining 42.8% and 10.8% of the variability, respectively.
Conclusion:Smart care technologies were seen as necessary in LTCHs, but the types of technologies considered most important differed by occupational role and hospital characteristics.
