A systematic review of digital health technologies for the care of older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, digital health technologies (DHTs) became increasingly important, especially for older adults. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the rapid implementation and use of DHTs among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A structured, electronic search was conducted on 9 November 2021, and updated on 5 January 2023, among five databases to select DHT interventional studies conducted among older adults during the pandemic. The bias of studies was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Results Among 20 articles included in the review, 14 (70%) focused on older adults with chronic diseases or symptoms, such as dementia or cognitive impairment, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. DHTs included traditional telehealth interventions via telephone, video, and social media, as well as emerging technologies such as Humanoid Robot and Laser acupuncture teletherapy. Using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, four studies (20%) were evaluated as high or serious overall risk of bias. DHTs have shown to be effective, feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to usual care. In addition, some studies also highlighted challenges with technology, hearing difficulties, and communication barriers within the vulnerable population. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, DHTs had the potential to improve various health outcomes and showed benefits for older adults’ access to health care services.

Developing a digital mind body medicine supportive care intervention for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using stakeholder engagement and design thinking

“…As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital literacy, digital infrastructure, and reimbursement possibilities potentially have turned from implementation barriers before the pandemic 18 , 22 to facilitators of implementing digital health services for the patients after the pandemic, although the societal challenges, such as the “digital divide”, are still unresolved. 19 , 43 – 45 Future research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. 43 – 45 Challenges that remain are reduced personal contacts with health professionals and the exclusion of manual CIM interventions in digital settings.…”

“… 19 , 43 – 45 Future research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. 43 – 45 Challenges that remain are reduced personal contacts with health professionals and the exclusion of manual CIM interventions in digital settings.…”

Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Readiness for Adopting Digital Health Technologies: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

“…As global populations age, health care systems worldwide grapple with the challenge of providing personalized, efficient, and integrated care for an increasing proportion of older adults, with the ultimate goal of facilitating “healthy ageing-in-place” [ 1 ]. Digital health technologies offer potential advancements to improve various older adults’ health outcomes and access to health care services [ 2 ]. There is increasing evidence of the benefits of digital health interventions for community-dwelling older adults in terms of physical function, cognitive performance, depression, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and overall quality of life [ 3 - 6 ].…”