Acceptance and impact of Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) among community-dwelling older adults: A rapid review

Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) represents a broad approach to supporting older adults' quality of life, ageing in place, and independent living using digital, assistive, monitoring and communication technologies. This review aimed to synthesise existing evidence on factors influencing TEC acceptability and impact among community-dwelling older adults. We employed a rapid review methodology guided by the PCC framework (Population: community-dwelling older adults 55 years and above and carers; Concept: TEC acceptability and impact; Context: community or home). Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched, yielding 7,550 records, of which 41 primary studies were included. Most studies were conducted in Europe (49%), used qualitative methods (51%), and focussed on surveillance and safety technologies (n = 16). Factors influencing TEC acceptability were synthesised into five domains: (1) individual characteristics and readiness, (2) perceived values and trade-offs, (3) sociocultural and relational dynamics, (4) contextual and structural enablers, and (5) technology design and appropriateness. A cross-cutting interpretive analysis identified four mediating mechanisms shaping TEC acceptance: trust, the tension between intrusiveness and autonomy, stigma and identity, and perceived control. Reported impacts of TEC included enhanced safety and independence, improved communication and social connection, health promotion and prevention of adverse events, and increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness of care. Overall, TEC acceptability is shaped by dynamic interactions between individual, social and contextual factors across the life course. Maximising its impact requires a human-centred, participatory approach that recognises heterogeneity among older adults and actively involves users and caregivers throughout the design and implementation process. OSF registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2ENZ7.