The development of a platform to ensure an integrated care plan for older adults with complex care needs living at home

• Published in: Journal of integrated care (Brighton, England) England), 2022-10, Vol.30 (4), p.310-323
• Main Authors: Villa-García, Lorena, Puig, Ariadna, Puigpelat, Pau, Solé-Casals, Montse, Fuertes, Oriol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Care plans; Caregivers; Case reports; Companies; Concept formation; Continuity of care; Fidelity; Health care; Health services; Home health care; Independent living; Informal care; Integrated care; Integrated delivery systems; Knowledge management; Medical personnel; Needs; Nursing; Older people; Patient-centered care; Prototypes; Research methodology; Social impact; Social workers; Software; Technology; Theory; Usability; User needs
• ISSN: 1476-9018; 2042-8685
• DOI: 10.1108/JICA-01-2022-0010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of the digital platform for the development and monitoring of care plans for older adults with complex care needs who are users of a home care service.Design/methodology/approachCase study. The authors conducted an iterative process of design adapted to the environment and user-centred, agile development and research methodologies and a framework of complex interventions. They followed a four-step process: (1) conceptualization: analysis and design; (2) usability and high-fidelity prototyping; (3) software development; and (4) field testing in usual care. Older adults, informal caregivers, professional caregivers, and healthcare and social workers identified specific requirements and participated continuously through interviews, focus groups and consensus.FindingsIn the conceptualization phase, the theory, context and requirements were identified, and the content and prototypes were developed. In the usability phase, the design was validated. The approach employed resulted in a digital technology that supports a person-centred care model in a home care company. In the conceptualization phase, the theory, context and requirements were identified, and the content and prototypes were developed. In the usability phase, the design was validated. The approach employed resulted in a digital technology that supports a person-centred care model in a home care company.Originality/valueThe methodology employed has allowed the development of a platform based on theory, user needs and context. This could increase the possibilities of use and implementation of the technology and inspire other developers.