[Digital transformation in residential old age institutions]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Residential old age institutions are experiencing digital transformation.
• This involves increasing digitalization of work processes and institutional infrastructure.
• The study investigates the variety of technical solutions and managers' assessments of this process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of technology adoption in Swiss residential old age homes.
• To understand managers' perspectives on the digital transformation process.
• To identify barriers hindering the implementation of new technologies.

Main Methods:

• A standardized online survey was conducted with managers of residential old age homes in Switzerland.
• The sample comprised 466 institutions.
• Data was collected through interviews with managers.

Main Results:

• Established technologies (TV, fall mats, administrative software) are widely used.
• Robotics, gaming consoles, and telemedicine technologies are rarely implemented.
• Perceived obstacles include costs, lack of employee skills, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Digitalization levels depend on facility size and senior staff's technological affinity.

Conclusions:

• Technology adoption in old age institutions is varied, with limited use of novel technologies like robotics and telemedicine.
• Identified barriers (cost, skills, infrastructure) impede digital transformation.
• The study highlights the influence of senior staff's technological outlook on digitalization progress.