Developing an Implementation Framework for Web-Based Presence Technology Integration in Long-Term Care Homes

TL;DR

This study creates a framework to help long-term care homes successfully use web-based presence technologies to reduce social isolation among older adults.

Contribution

The novel contribution is an evidence-based framework for integrating web-based presence technologies in long-term care homes.

Findings

Training to improve digital literacy is crucial for successful WPT integration.

Collaboration with external companies helps overcome resource limitations in long-term care homes.

Standardized guidelines and sustained funding are needed to ensure equitable WPT use.

Abstract

Web-based presence technologies (WPT) have been recognized for their ability to mitigate social isolation and foster a sense of aging in place among older adults within long-term care homes. Despite ongoing interest in WPT use by a range of stakeholders, a guiding framework for its sustained implementation in long-term care homes is lacking. This multi-method study sought to develop an evidence-informed framework for integration of WPT within long-term care homes. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 long-term care home leadership personnel, 22 family members, 10 staff, and seven older adults. Additionally, documents such as long term-care policies and guidelines were examined. Multi-stage data analysis included: 1) directed content analysis guided by Technology Acceptance Model to examine older adults, family members, and staff experiences; 2) conventional content analysis of documents and leaders’ accounts. Findings were triangulated to develop an implementation framework highlighting factors to be considered to achieve successful WPT integration within long-term care homes. Facilitating factors included: training to enhance digital literacy of WPT end users, collaboration between long-term care homes and external companies for resource acquisition (devices, funding, human resources), and diverse applications of WPT use (i.e., social connectedness, telehealth). Potential barriers included: funding constraints and competing priorities within long-term care, lack of standardized organizational guidelines on WPT use, and usability challenges among end-users. Findings highlight the need for sustained funding opportunities, ongoing digital literacy programs for end-users, and standardized guidelines to ensure equitable and sustained integration of WPT across long-term care homes.