A co-designed health information system implementation into residential aged care: A mixed-method evaluation

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Informatics
• Nursing

Background:

• Technology adoption in residential aged care faces significant challenges.
• Previous implementations have shown slow progress for residents, staff, and providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability, efficiency, and quality of a health information system (HIS) implementation.
• To assess the impact of HIS on aged care residents and staff.

Main Methods:

• A three-stage, mixed-methods participatory action research approach was used.
• A co-designed HIS was implemented in a 169-bed aged care facility in Australia (2019-2021).
• Data collected via focus groups, interviews, observations, surveys, and record audits from 162 participants.

Main Results:

• Work efficiency improved with reduced staff time searching for information (6%) and documentation time (20.4% to 6.4%).
• Staff walking steps decreased by 25%, and documentation quality increased significantly (assessments 68% to 96%, goals 56% to 88%, evaluations 31% to 88%).
• Staff reported enhanced ability to manage resident dignity.

Conclusions:

• Health information system implementation in aged care facilities is linked to better resident-focused care and improved staff efficiency.
• Technology can enhance resident care quality, support staff, and aid regulatory compliance.