Framework for policymaking on self-management of health by older adults using technologies

TL;DR

This study evaluates a policymaking framework to support older adults' health self-management using technologies, aiming to improve equity and outcomes during crises like the pandemic.

Contribution

The study proposes and validates a provisional policymaking framework for older adults' health self-management using ICTs, with input from policymakers.

Findings

Nine policymakers from Ontario found the framework useful and suggested improvements.

The revised framework was deemed relevant for supporting older adults with chronic diseases and disability.

Further research is needed to apply the framework in other jurisdictions due to provincial healthcare system differences.

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support care management exponentially increased. Governments around the world adapted existing programs to meet the needs of patients. The reactivity of governments, however, led to changes that were inequitable, undermining groups such as older adults living with chronic diseases and disability. Policies that align with recent developments in ICTs can promote better health outcomes and innovation in care management. A framework for policymaking presents potential for overcoming barriers and gaps that exist in current policies.

The goal of this study was to examine how well a provisional framework for policymaking represented the interactions between various components of government policymaking on older adults’ self-management of chronic disease and disability using ICTs.

Through an online survey, the study engaged policymakers from various ministries of the government of Ontario in the evaluation and revision of the framework. The data were analyzed using simple statistics and by interpreting written comments.

Nine participants from three ministries in the government of Ontario responded to the questionnaire. Overall, participants described the framework as useful and identified areas for improvement and further clarification. A revised version of the framework is presented.

Through the revision exercise, our study confirmed the relevance and usefulness for a policymaking framework on the self-management of disease and disability of older adults’ using ICTs. Further inquiries should examine the application of the framework to jurisdictions other than Ontario considering the dissociated nature of Canadian provincial healthcare systems.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12961-024-01119-5.

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