COVID-19 as a “Digital Push?” Research Experiences From Long-Term Care and Recommendations for the Post-pandemic Era

Abstract

BACKGROUNDHealth authorities and governments worldwide label older adults as a "risk group" for more serious and possibly fatal illness associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (1). Those older adults living in long-term care (LTC) are considered especially prone to more serious and fatal disease following a COVID-19 infection (2). Consequently, measures requiring LTC residents to shelter in place and maintain physical distancing from others have been enacted in many countries during the pandemic. However, these measures make this group particularly prone to isolation, especially because the measures have prevented family members from visiting nursing homes for several months. Researchers have posed concerns that these particularly strict measures are likely to enhance feelings of loneliness and isolation in LTC residents (3).The use of digital technologies by LTC residents has been painted as a hopeful alternative to face-to-face contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several digital solutions have been suggested to decrease the social isolation of older adults, such as Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, which allow LTC residents and their families to interact virtually (3). Indeed, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the Internet, offers many benefits (4) for older adults living in nursing homes who wish to stay in contact with others while following COVID-19 social distancing measures. The Internet has particularly been shown to play an important role in distance-based social contact during the coronavirus pandemic (5).Although ICT use might help older adults maintain social interaction, LTC residents may also feel socially excluded because they lack the necessary skills and equipment to be included in the digital society (6, 7). Studies have shown that nursing home residents are less likely than community-dwelling older people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by modern ICT (8) for the following reasons: they might (a) opt not to use the Internet, (b) live in an environment where Internet access is not available, (c) not have sufficient support from inside or outside their nursing homes, and (d) have physical or cognitive limitations that limit or prevent ICT use without assistance (9, 10). Furthermore, when nursing homes isolate their residents from outside contact, they may prevent individuals from ICT support from outside the facilities. Thus, the tremendous barriers to ICT use in nursing homes are not likely to be handle everywhere during the pandemic, when LTC systems are under a considerable amount of general pressure with coping the current pandemic.This opinion article investigates and discusses the evidence for a "digital push" in LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic by referring to data regarding Internet use from 259 nursing home residents.

Digital Divide in Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cosmetic Course From the View of the Regional Socioeconomic Distribution

“…A previous study conducted by Harvard and MIT between 2012 and 2014 reported that MOOC participants tended to live in more affluent and better-educated neighborhoods than the average U.S. resident ( 20 ). Studies have also reported that telemedicine could be helpful in the current pandemic, but organizational readiness to adopt telemedicine needs urgent attention ( 24 , 26 ). Does digital divide exist despite broad accessibility of mobile tools and internet use in China?…”

Improvised use of a digital tool for social interaction in a Norwegian care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study

“…The onset of COVID-19 and the ensuing social distancing policies have led to a burgeoning interest in technology-based solutions, including digital devices such as tablets, wearable devices, and digital communication platforms to provide care and promote health [ 1 ]. Indeed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several digital technologies have been adopted as alternatives to face-to-face communication [ 2 ]. To reduce loneliness and social isolation, many long-term care facilities have provided technologies such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom to allow residents to interact digitally with their relatives [ 3 – 5 ].…”

Dance Wherever You Are: The Evolution of Multimodal Delivery for Social Inclusion of Rural Older Adults

“…Future research should explore further the differences between different modes of delivery to provide more options for multiple participants with varying levels of capacity, abilities, and resources in unique rural contexts, including microlevel interactions. Interactive ICT initiatives will be effective in engaging meaningful social engagement when they can be responsive and adaptive to unique contexts by incorporating feedback channels, training and support for local facilitation; participation with different stakeholders; and adequate devices and internet ( Gallistl et al, 2021 ; Hennesy & Innes, 2020 ; Van der Heide et al, 2012 ). In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rush to digital solutions, and as communities consider whether internet access should be a basic human right, careful consideration should be taken as to the necessary skills development and support required for diverse stakeholders, alongside the provision of infrastructure and devices ( Seifert et al, 2021 ).…”

“…This presented a myriad of challenges for multiple stakeholders in a variety of settings and processes. Researchers in the field as well as service providers and practitioners thus need to be aware that the use of ICT in addressing social needs is a complex process involving many actors ( Gallistl et al, 2021 ). Many older adults require support to remain engaged in ICT environments and have concerns about complicated processes and undue burden that can lead to social isolation ( Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2019 ).…”