JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The population of older adults is projected to increase, potentially resulting in more older adults living with chronic illnesses or multimorbidity. Living with chronic conditions often results in fragmented healthcare services or a lack of information sharing between the involved healthcare professionals. Care coordination can help older adults navigate the healthcare system and improve information sharing. Older adults want to cope with the illness themselves, and many are positive to use eHealth.

Objective:

The study aimed to map the research literature about eHealth in care coordination for older adults living at home and to assess care coordination activities, outcomes, and factors reported by older adults and healthcare professionals.

Methods:

We used a scoping review methodology. A total of 1057 records were identified. We screened 630 records, including abstracts and titles, against the final eligibility criteria. The data were charted, and the analysis consisted of both a descriptive and thematic analysis.

Results:

A total of 16 articles were included in the scoping review. Categories of eHealth used for care coordination when older adults living at home were electronic health records and patient portals, telehealth-monitoring solutions, and telephone only. The care coordination activity communication was evident in all articles. The results on patient and healthcare utilization outcomes were mixed, however with an overweight of improved mental and physical health and reduced rehospitalization and hospital admission rates. Observing changes in patients’ health was a facilitator for healthcare professionals using eHealth in CC. When using eHealth in CC, available patient support, personal continuity, and feeling a sense of security and safety were facilitators for older adults. Older adults reported barriers such as individual patient characteristics, lack of experience, confidence, and knowledge when using eHealth. Healthcare professionals reported barriers such as increased workload and hampered communication.

Conclusions:

Study results showed that using eHealth to coordinate care when older adults live at home is promising. To ensure the successful use of eHealth in CC, we recommend customized eHealth enabled healthcare services for older adults, including individualized education and support.