Development of health-RESPECT: An integrated service model for older long-term care hospital/nursing home patients using information and communication technology

Abstract

Background: Korea, as one of the fastest-aging countries worldwide, requires an improved healthcare service model for older adults. We evaluated the current healthcare system and developed a service model based on information and communication technologies (ICT) for use in older patients in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Methods: We conducted a qualitative literature re-view, focus group interviews (FGIs), and structured survey to identify the current technology use and status of healthcare systems. We then developed a web-based platform with necessary, high-priority, and usable content for the care of older patients in LTCF. Results: We reviewed 60 (23 hypertension, 18 diabetes, and 19 heart failure) articles on iinformation and communication technologies (ICT)-based disease management for clinical effectiveness and improved patient satisfaction. FGIs and structured surveys were used to evaluate the inconvenience in patient and medical information transfer between hospitals and cost and time required for its process. Ac-cordingly, we confirmed the unmet need for an ICT-based service model for management, moni-toring, and consultation among older patients and developed the Health-RESPECT (integrated caRE Systems for elderly PatiEnts using iCT), a service platform for older patients residing in LTCF. The medical information exchange system was used to transfer medical information. Health-RE-SPECT includes an established algorithm for evidence-based comprehensive geriatric assessment and customized management; chronic disease management; management of potentially inappropriate medications; rehabilitation; and consultation and videoconferencing. Conclusion: This study identified the current status and unmet needs of healthcare systems for older adults. We developed an ICT-based system to manage older institutionalized patients. However, the Health-RESPECT service model requires further validation.