An Effectiveness and Cost-Estimation Model for Deploying Assistive Technology Solutions in Elderly Care

Abstract

Background Deployment of modern assistive technologies is one of the major trends contained in the strategies of developed countries. However, the use of technology in households is not yet a common practice. The aim of this paper is present a model for assessment of selected smart device solutions in elderly care and the evaluation of overall care costs. The model provides the optimal set of devices for different target groups in terms of financial savings. Methods The model uses demographic projections taken from Eurostat for EU countries and the disability incidence from the annual report of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic as an input. The model was implemented in the software Stella Professional dedicated to system dynamics modelling including a web interface and is accessible online. Results In relation to the combination of five assistive devices for the elderly, the optimal solution, the cost savings are 37.8% or182 billion CZK), cumulatively in the simulated time period 2021-2060. Out of the five available assistive devices, up to three - UpWalker, Jaco robotic arm and Poseidon - were employed by the model for different target groups. Conclusion According to the performed analysis the assistive technologies proved a significant potential to maintain the quality of life of elderly and lessen the burden on public budgets. With respect to the ongoing demographic transition, the need to employ smart device solutions should further increase and their price could decline with increasing scale of production and overall advancement in technology.

Impact of Regulatory Changes on Innovations in the Medical Device Industry Comment on "Clinical Decision Support and New Regulatory Frameworks for Medical Devices: Are We Ready for It? - A Viewpoint Paper"

“…Only under these conditions and with increased efforts is it possible to achieve a positive economic result. Another study, modelling the use of several modern technologies for providing care to the elderly, 12 confirms that innovative solutions are the right way in terms of societal impacts as well. New solutions and their implementation help save labor time, which is in short supply in developed countries.…”