Smarter elder care? A cost-effectiveness analysis of implementing technology in elder care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology assessment
• Health economics
• Digital health

Background:

• Healthcare sector lags in technology adoption compared to other industries.
• Resistance to technology exists, but demographic shifts and rising demand necessitate increased productivity.
• Aging populations and workforce changes are driving the need for efficient healthcare solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the cost-effectiveness of smart home technology and video visits in home care.
• To identify the primary stakeholders impacted by these technologies in home care settings.
• To inform the integration of technology into home-based healthcare services.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis based on experience data from previous information and communication technology studies in healthcare.
• Cost-effectiveness evaluation of smart home technology and video visits.
• Identification of affected groups: healthcare providers, hospitals, and relatives.

Main Results:

• Smart home technology demonstrates cost-effectiveness, particularly when relatives benefit.
• Video visits require significant demand-side effects from both relatives and healthcare providers to achieve cost-effectiveness.
• The study provides a quantitative basis for technology adoption decisions in home care.

Conclusions:

• Smart home technology presents a viable, cost-effective solution for enhancing home care.
• Video visits necessitate careful consideration of implementation costs and demand-side impacts for successful integration.
• Further qualitative, ethical, medical, and legal analyses are crucial for comprehensive technology adoption in home care.