Methodologies assessing digital technologies to assist “ageing in place”: a scoping review
ISSN: 1366-3666
Article publication date: 29 September 2023
Issue publication date: 22 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Despite continuing workforce challenges over the last decade, the social care system is considered a key enabler in keeping older people out of hospital. In response to the workforce challenges, White Paper was released, which acknowledged the opportunities afforded by digital technology to assist older people ageing at home, often supported by informal caregivers. Given the policy emphasis on digital-enabled care, the most appropriate methods for evaluating its impact on social care outcomes have yet to be determined. The purpose this study was to review the current literature using a systematic approach to understand the methodological limitations to inform more robust evaluations in their use in future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This scoping review used a systematic approach adopting the framework of Arksey and O’Malley to examine studies examining the adoption of digital technologies to assist in older people’s ability to age in place.
Findings
The 21 relevant studies identified on digital technology to assist ageing-in-place are evolving. To date, it has focused on the efficacy and usability of the digital technologies themselves rather than investigating the impact of such technologies on re/enablement outcomes for older people. To rebalance this emphasis, there needs to be more research investigating the factors that enhance useability of digital technologies by older people and exploiting narrative data gained from qualitative research as they can provide valuable insights.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to consider qualitative methodological approaches for exploring ageing in place.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper was produced as part of a PhD titled ‘Cutting Edge Digital Transformation in Adult Social Care – Evidencing and Evaluating New Initiatives Improving Ageing in Place in the Older Population’, jointly funded by Peopletoo and Nottingham Trent University. The author would also like to give an appreciative thanks to all key informants who took part in this study.
Citation
Horne, F., Bailey, D. and Kenney, M. (2023), "Methodologies assessing digital technologies to assist “ageing in place”: a scoping review", Working with Older People, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 360-370. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-11-2022-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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