JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technologies (DT) like electronic health records, telehealth services, assistive robotics or digital documentation are increasingly embedded in long-term care (LTC) systems, with the potential to improve care delivery, enhance coordination, and expand access, which often is limited due to sectoral and organizational boundaries. However, their implications extend beyond technical effectiveness and efficiency aspects and raise important questions regarding person-centered care, health inequalities, relational continuity, and equity, particularly for older adults with complex LTC needs.

Objective:

In this work we aim to develop requirements for DT which support person-centered care and consider health inequalities in LTC.

Methods:

This study employed a scoping review methodology combined with a multi-stage qualitative synthesis. For this synthesis, a deductive framework based on established dimensions of person-centered care and health inequalities was initially used to structure extracted findings. Second, an inductive synthesis identified thematic categories through systematic cross-study comparison. Finally, these categories were translated into a structured set of socio-technical requirements for the development, adoption, and governance of DT in LTC.

Results:

A total of 28 studies was included, examining DT in LTC. The synthesis identified eight socio-technical categories for digital person-centered LTC including empowerment and autonomy, personalized and ethical care, relational support, usability and contextual adaptation, organizational prerequisites and trust, integrated care processes, infrastructural conditions, and issues of equity and access.

Conclusions:

The integration of DT in LTC should be understood as a socio-technical and relational process rather than purely technological innovations. Their value depends on the extent to which they align with person-centered and equity-oriented principles. Sustainable and inclusive implementation requires attention not only to technological design and functionality but also to the social, organizational, and structural conditions that shape access, use, and outcomes in everyday LTC contexts.