Ann Geriatr Med Res.  2020 Mar;24(1):27-34. 10.4235/agmr.20.0006.

Development of Health-RESPECT: An Integrated Service Model for Older Long-Term Care Hospital/Nursing Home Patients Using Information and Communication Technology

• Choi JY
• Kim Ki
• Lim JY
• Ko JY
• Yoo S
• Kim H
• Lee M
• Jang SK
• Lee DH
• Lee J
• Jung Yi
• Oh IH

• KMID: 2501024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.20.0006

Abstract

Background
Korea, as one of the fastest-aging countries worldwide, requires an improved healthcare service model for older adults. We evaluated the current healthcare system and developed a service model based on information and communication technologies (ICT) for use in older patients in long-term care facilities (LTCF).
Methods
We conducted a qualitative literature review, focus group interviews (FGIs), and structured survey to identify the current technology use and status of healthcare systems. We then developed a web-based platform with necessary, high-priority, and usable content for the care of older patients in LTCF.
Results
We reviewed 60 (23 hypertension, 18 diabetes, and 19 heart failure) articles on ICT-based disease management for clinical effectiveness and improved patient satisfaction. FGIs and structured surveys were used to evaluate the inconvenience in and cost and time required for patient and medical information transfer between hospitals. Accordingly, we confirmed the unmet need for an ICT-based service model for management, monitoring, and consultation among older patients and developed the Health-RESPECT (integrated caRE Systems for elderly PatiEnts using icT), a service platform for older patients residing in LTCF. The medical information exchange system was used to transfer medical information. Health-RESPECT includes an established algorithm for evidence-based comprehensive geriatric assessment and customized management; chronic disease management and decision support; management of potentially inappropriate medications; rehabilitation; and consultation and videoconferencing.
Conclusion
This study identified the current status and unmet needs of healthcare systems for older adults. We developed an ICT-based system to manage older institutionalized patients. However, the Health-RESPECT service model requires further validation.

Keyword

Care model; Digital medicine; ICT