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Digital Health and Non Communicable Diseases
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There’s a rapid rise in the ageing population, with estimates that by 2050 over 1.5 billion people will be aged 65 worldwide. The physical and social settings of older people's daily lives, such as their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities, as well as their personal traits, such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, are primarily linked to their health (Facchinetti et al., 2023).
Innovative technologies can help older adults - disabled or not - by allowing them to live independently in their surroundings and keeping an eye on their safety and health. This lessens the heavy care load for family and/or professional carers. The digital landscape for ageing care is not widely understood. In recent years, a number of Smart Home technologies (such as web platforms, applications, and sensors) have been developed to support the security, quality of life, and growing sense of loneliness experienced by older adults (Stara et al., 2022).
Furthermore, it has been shown that telemedicine and e-Health services are crucial for supporting care for senior citizens and family carers. People with early stages of cognitive impairment, for instance, have benefited from electronic reminders, daily activities, cognitive stimulation therapy, and games made possible by Internet-based technology (Stara et al., 2022).
Kindly share your views on the different home support technologies that are available to support the elderly population.
References:
1. Facchinetti, G., Petrucci, G., Albanesi, B., Grazia, M., & Michela Piredda. (2023). Can Smart Home Technologies Help Older Adults Manage Their Chronic Condition? A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1205–1205. //doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021205
2. Stara, V., Rampioni, M., Adrian Alexandru Moșoi, Kristaly, D. M., Moraru, S.-A., Paciaroni, L., Paolini, S., Raccichini, A., Felici, E., Rossi, L., Cristian Vizitiu, Alexandru Nistorescu, Marin, M., Tónay, G., András Tóth, Tamás Pilissy, & Fazekas, G. (2022). A Technology-Based Intervention to Support Older Adults in Living Independently: Protocol for a Cross-National Feasibility Pilot. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(24), 16604–16604. //doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416604.
Posted : February 21, 2024 6:04 pm
Implementing Smart Home Technology (SHT) has proven to be a valuable support system for older individuals in managing their day-to-day activities, especially those tasks that may pose challenges due to mobility issues or disability, such as gardening and cleaning. This integration of technology not only addresses the practical aspects of daily living but also significantly enhances overall life satisfaction among older adults.
The adoption of SHT has demonstrated notable improvements in quality of life by fostering a safer living environment. Personal alarms, sensor lights, and remote-controlled lighting systems play a pivotal role in this regard. These technologies, known for their affordability, offer a practical and efficient means to enhance the sense of security within the home. Older individuals, who may face concerns about safety and security, find these features particularly reassuring, contributing to an increased peace of mind and an improved overall living experience.
Furthermore, the convenience and accessibility provided by SHT in performing daily activities contribute to a sense of empowerment for older individuals. The ability to control aspects of their living environment remotely, whether it be adjusting lighting or activating security features, not only facilitates independence but also minimizes the challenges associated with physical limitations.
The implementation of Smart Home Technology emerges as a transformative solution that goes beyond mere convenience. By addressing the specific needs of older individuals, particularly in the context of mobility issues or disability, and enhancing the safety and security of their living spaces, SHT becomes a valuable tool in promoting a more satisfying and fulfilling life for the aging population.
Reference:
Aggar, C., Sorwar, G., Seton, C., Penman, O., & Ward, A. (2023). Smart home technology to support older people's quality of life: A longitudinal pilot study. International journal of older people nursing, 18(1), e12489. //doi.org/10.1111/opn.12489
Posted : February 22, 2024 1:10 pm
The World Health Assembly adopted the Digital Health Resolution, recognizing the potential of digital technologies to help health systems by improving the accountability, availability, accessibility, continuity, usage, and effectiveness of health care. The World Health Organization (WHO) further divided digital health interventions based on four types of users, 28 categories, and 87 sub-categories of digital health interventions cover various areas of health systems with a particular focus on health service delivery.
Digital health technologies enable real-time monitoring of vital signs and disease parameters, allowing healthcare providers to detect early signs of deterioration and intervene promptly. By facilitating remote monitoring and virtual consultations, digital health technologies reduce healthcare utilization, hospital readmissions, and overall healthcare expenditure.
Digital Health Intervention for NCDs: Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine
It allow healthcare providers to remotely track vital signs, medication adherence, and disease progression in elderly patients with NCDs.
Greenwood et al. (2018) found that telemonitoring interventions for patients with heart failure reduced hospital readmissions and mortality rates, demonstrating the efficacy of remote monitoring in managing chronic cardiovascular conditions.
Dario et al. (2019) revealed that telemedicine interventions led to better glycemic control, improved blood pressure management, and increased treatment adherence in elderly patients with diabetes and hypertension.
Telemedicine platforms facilitate virtual consultations, remote diagnosis, and real-time communication between patients and healthcare professionals, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits.
Tricco et al. (2021) highlighted the feasibility and patient satisfaction with telemedicine consultations for cancer follow-up, indicating its potential to enhance access to care and minimize healthcare disparities.
References:
Health, D. (2018). Classification of digital health interventions v1.0. Who.int; World Health Organization. //www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-RHR-18.06
Tricco AC, Soobiah C, Blondal E, et al. (2021). The Impact of Telemedicine on Cancer Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(6), e23703.
Dario, C., Del Valle, P., Piscitelli, P., Giordano, S., Cardenas, V., & Cavallo, F. (2019). Telemedicine for diabetes management during COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2021, 6675542.
Greenwood, S. A., Castle, N. G., & Harris, A. D. (2018). The impact of telemonitoring on adherence to medications in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24(3), 157–164.
Posted : March 2, 2024 12:17 pm