Technologies that extend the ability to provide care for persons with chronic illness have been increasingly successful in improving the well-being and independence of older adults, the segment of our population that has the greatest demand for health and long-term care services. These technologies offer a means of reducing the burden of chronic care for patients, families, and the health care system as a whole, while improving older adults’ safety, health/well-being, and social interaction. However, for these technologies to realize their potential to improve the efficiency of health care delivery, reduce the costs of health care, improve health care outcomes, and most importantly, maximize the independence and quality of life of older adults, these technologies must be rapidly expanded to scale in home and community-based care settings.
Technology Focus Areas
Technologies that assist in the care of chronic conditions and improve the independence of older adults can cover a very wide spectrum, including communication, assistive, telemonitoring, telehealth and other technology-enabled services. Based on an extensive literature review, expert interviews and data drawn from expert panels, seven technology domains were identified as high priority candidates for rapid diffusion. This process included an assessment of the experience of early adopters and the viability of each technology. After review of the seven areas of technology, two priority areas for the Center for Technology and Aging grantmaking have been identified: medication optimization and remote patient monitoring.
These two technology areas are well balanced in terms of offering high value to stakeholders and surmountable barriers to adoption and diffusion. In addition to alignment with the mission of the Center, each of these two technology areas offers evidence that there are clear benefits to as well as a high degree of acceptability for older adults. Both technologies offer immediate relevancy given the health reform debate and specific opportunities to inform national and/or state policymakers. These technologies also complement the interests and capabilities of potential grantees and should be able to support sustainable diffusion strategies. Finally, and of highest priority, each of these technology areas can lead to significant cost savings for the health and long-term care system.
The mission of the Center for Technology and Aging is to identify and
promote successful strategies that accelerate the adoption and diffusion of technologies that improve the ability of older adults to remain in the community. This paper discusses technologies that have the greatest likelihood of successful diffusion and will offer a significant opportunity to reduce the burden of chronic care for older adults, their families, and the health care system. It further identifies the Center’s current list of candidate technologies that will be targeted for near-term diffusion grants that promote broader adoption of technology. It addresses the current state of these technologies as well as the opportunities for and barriers to widespread adoption.
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