The contribution of eHealth to improve fall and balance disorder care in the elderly

• Published in: European journal of public health 2019-11, Vol.29 (Supplement_4)
• Main Authors: Gaspar, Andréa, Velez-Lapão, Luís
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Alignment; Autonomy; Balance; Context; Criteria; Disorders; Elder care; English language; Geriatrics; Health policy; Homogeneity; Human resources; Information systems; Literature reviews; Neurological diseases; Older people; Policies; Population; Population studies; Public health; Systematic review; Telemedicine
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.145

Abstract Background The global ageing and consequent vulnerability for chronic multimorbidity, balance disturbances and falls represent a significant public health challenge that needs to be addressed. The use of Information Systems and Technologies to support eHealth services responding to balance disorders represents an opportunity to optimize health outcomes and insure autonomy support for older people. Methods A systematic review was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) to describe the contribution of eHealth to balance disorders care of older adults. The search was limited to English language journals and to reports that were published in the last 5 years related to use of eHealth in the context of balance and fall, restricted to the population older than 60 years of age without functional limitation by neurological disease. Results From a total of 1005 unduplicated articles, only 12 articles complied with the eligibility criteria. It was found a growing interest on the research but it was not possible to effectively compare the results of the studies. This can be explained due to diversity of older population engaged on the studies, differences in follow-up times, lack of homogeneity of study methodology and use of different remote technologies, yet to reach maturity. It was observed a gap between investigation and actual clinical use that should be addressed. Conclusions The use of eHealth in the context of older people with fall risk due balance disorders represents an opportunity to be explored, reaching the fragile and growing elderly population. The patient, caregiver and health human resources engagement and the homogeneity on research are necessary keys to allow clinical applicability and alignment with health policies. Key messages The use of eHealth in the context of older people with fall risk due balance disorders represents an opportunity to be explored, reaching the fragile and growing elderly population. Homogeneity on research is necessary to allow clinical applicability and alignment with health policies.