Experiences with combined personal‐online case management and the self‐reliance of older people with multimorbidity living alone in private households: results of an interpretative‐hermeneutical analysis

Abstract

BackgroundTo date in Germany, only few studies have been conducted concerning the efficacy of care and case management (CCM) for older people and about using communication technology during monitoring.AimWith this study, it is intended to gain a better understanding of how CCM in general is perceived by older people (65+) living alone and in particular what they think about the CCM monitoring process used during video conferences.MethodThe sampling and work cycle were based on the Grounded Theory. Two different subsamples (each n = 20; total sample: 70% women; age range: 64–92 years) were recruited. Interviews were conducted with the focus on CCM contributions (Subsample I) and monitoring supported by video conferences (Subsample II). All participants had received CCM from external providers (care support centres) in two German federal states. The intervention of CCM ranged between four and twelve months. Participants of Subsample II received additionally moderated video conferences via tablet PCs for and with older people over an intervention period of nine months.ResultsCare and case management was experienced as a possibility for receiving individual support and for improving the user's everyday life. Within a short time, video conferences were a familiar communication tool. They enabled particularly people with reduced mobility to get barrier‐free access to case managers, compensated for isolation and enabled participation.ConclusionsAccording to the view of older CCM users with multimorbidity living alone, CCM offers formative and organisational support in various life‐domains. Combined with video conferences, the exchange of information becomes barrier‐free and instantaneous, and the sense of security in health questions is reinforced.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Older Adults’ Decision-Making Related to Health, and Health and Social Care Services in Daily Life—A Scoping Review

“…The included articles are described in Table 3 [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. Four of these articles reported the same two research studies but focused on different aspects of these studies.…”

“…The number of older adults (65+ years of age) in the included articles ranged from eight [ 50 ] to 290 [ 59 ]. Seven of the articles were of mixed-method design [ 50 , 52 , 54 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 61 ], four articles used a qualitative design [ 51 , 55 , 56 , 58 ], and one used quantitative design [ 53 ].…”

“…Finally, two studies used other ICT-based services [ 56 , 60 ]. In the study by Schmidt et al, video conferences via tablet computers were used in which older adults could receive information and advice from healthcare professionals.…”

“…In the study by Schmidt et al, video conferences via tablet computers were used in which older adults could receive information and advice from healthcare professionals. Additionally, older adults could have contact with people in similar life situations and with similar interests [ 60 ].…”

“…Most articles described the value of ICT for decision-making in terms of accessing and sharing information that actively involved older adults in their health and social care services [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. For instance, self-care advice via ICT was regarded by older adults as valuable when they needed knowledge and information on health issues and what they could do to have control over their own care without having to visit their healthcare facility [ 50 , 54 , 55 , 60 ].…”