Decision makers' perceptions on implementing welfare technology in Swedish municipal elder care: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Technology Adoption

Background:

• Rising demographic challenges necessitate innovative elder care solutions.
• Welfare technology is proposed as a key strategy to address these challenges.
• Swedish municipal elder care faces increasing demands on services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore local decision-makers' perceptions of welfare technology implementation.
• To understand the factors influencing the adoption of welfare technologies in elder care.
• To identify potential benefits and barriers to welfare technology integration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with key stakeholders.
• Four politicians and twelve local government officials were interviewed.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Main Results:

• Welfare technology is perceived as a sustainable, long-term solution for elder care.
• Implementation requires shared responsibility and navigating staff/resident acceptance.
• Technology is expected to reduce staff burden and enhance older adult independence and participation.

Conclusions:

• Local decision-makers view welfare technology positively for addressing funding and staffing shortages.
• Welfare technology adoption can improve elder care quality by reducing staff burden and increasing older adult autonomy.
• Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles is crucial for successful welfare technology implementation in elder care.