Preparing for an aging population and improving chronic disease management.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Informatics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Healthcare delivery models are evolving towards patient-centered approaches.
• Increasing emphasis on patient self-monitoring, home-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Existing health system Information Technologies (IT) infrastructures require adaptation to meet future demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implications of new healthcare delivery models on health systems' IT infrastructures.
• To define desirable features, relevant technologies, and network modifications for future patient-focused technologies.
• To identify necessary data elements for supporting older individuals in evolving healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current healthcare trends and future projections.
• Assessment of IT infrastructure needs within a county public hospital system.
• Definition of requirements for patient-focused technologies and network modifications.

Main Results:

• Anticipation of increased patient self-monitoring, home care, and non-physician professional involvement.
• Identification of necessary adaptations in IT infrastructure, including network modifications and data element capture.
• Focus on developing patient-centered technologies to support older adults effectively.

Conclusions:

• Health systems must proactively adapt their IT infrastructure to support emerging patient-focused healthcare models.
• Investment in adaptable IT is crucial for efficiently and effectively supporting older individuals.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of new healthcare delivery models on IT infrastructures.