Development of a Value Appraisal Tool for Implementing Technology in Care for Older Adults
摘要
At present, innovation via technology is vital for sustainable, high-quality care. Yet, implementing such innovations is complex and requires careful decision-making. This study, conducted in collaboration with eleven care organizations, aimed to develop a value appraisal tool to support informed implementation of care technology. The tool was created through stakeholder analysis, literature review, checklist development, and testing. Stakeholders included clients, informal caregivers, care professionals, care teams, and organizational managers. Aspects related to technology, financial considerations, and regulatory requirements were also included. Key values, needs, and preconditions for each stakeholder were identified and translated into a comprehensive checklist. This was tested via scoping reviews and interviews for six technologies, e.g. medication dispensers and lifestyle monitoring. The current tool offers a structured approach to assess the value of technologies, balancing evidence with the specific needs and capacities of organizations. By actively involving diverse stakeholders and identifying critical success factors, it supports the sustainable implementation of care technology. This approach has significant implications for advancing the adoption of technologies in healthcare, as part of the broad field of assistive technology, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, contextual adaptation, and systematic evaluation in care innovation.