Impact of technology‐based care and management systems on aged care outcomes in Australia

Abstract

This study determined the impact of a computerized care documentation system on client outcomes, regulatory compliance, and staff workloads after 3 years of use. The survey was conducted at an 800-bed aged care facility, and staff using the computerized care system were invited to participate (n = 112). The survey was an adapted version of the Nurses Computer Attitudes to Technology Inventory, which was refined to make it relevant to the aged care workplace. Four multiple regression models were produced, assessing the impact of the computerized care management system on staff and workload; time; accuracy, and regulatory data; and resident care. The analysis showed that the perceived benefits of the computerized system were influenced by personal attitudes towards computer use and feelings of empowerment related to the computer system. Even those with poor computer skills and feelings of insecurity about using computers believed that there were significant benefits to be gained by using the system. This result has implications with regards to the training and recruitment of staff in the aged care sector, as facilities introduce computerized care systems.

Information management in the Australian aged care setting

“…However, some perceived paper-based and electronic systems to be of similar benefit, with neither system superior in supporting communication and decision-making (Munyisia et al, 2011). This latter study also reported that initial positive perceptions of quality of information and benefits for documentation were not sustained, reinforcing the need for ongoing education and support to maintain practice change as reported by other studies in this review (McDonald and Russell, 2012; Wang et al, 2013; Zhang et al, 2012). This may be a particular problem in the aged care sector where staff turnover can be high.…”

“…Studies largely reported positive impacts for staff and care outcomes, particularly in areas of workloads, time savings, information accuracy and addressing regulatory accreditation requirements. However, successful implementation and sustainability of electronic systems required organizational commitment, resources, education, monitoring and ongoing support (McDonald and Russell, 2012; Yu et al, 2013). Barriers to successful implementation were identified as related to negative staff attitudes, and lack of familiarity with computer technology, particularly for staff with low levels of language and literacy skills (McDonald and Russell, 2012).…”

“…However, successful implementation and sustainability of electronic systems required organizational commitment, resources, education, monitoring and ongoing support (McDonald and Russell, 2012; Yu et al, 2013). Barriers to successful implementation were identified as related to negative staff attitudes, and lack of familiarity with computer technology, particularly for staff with low levels of language and literacy skills (McDonald and Russell, 2012). In terms of improved information quality and care outcomes, most staff reported a positive impact on care planning, care coordination and communication of care needs (McDonald and Russell, 2012).…”

“…Barriers to successful implementation were identified as related to negative staff attitudes, and lack of familiarity with computer technology, particularly for staff with low levels of language and literacy skills (McDonald and Russell, 2012). In terms of improved information quality and care outcomes, most staff reported a positive impact on care planning, care coordination and communication of care needs (McDonald and Russell, 2012). However, some perceived paper-based and electronic systems to be of similar benefit, with neither system superior in supporting communication and decision-making (Munyisia et al, 2011).…”

Implementing Information and Communication Technology to Support Community Aged Care Service Integration: Lessons from an Australian Aged Care Provider

“…Aged care organisations in Australia are increasingly discussing the importance of information and communication technology [ 25 ]. Much of the research effort to date has been invested in examining these technologies in residential aged care facilities [ 26 ]. Internationally, research on information and communication technology applied to gerontology is dominated by telemedicine and home monitoring techniques for the elderly, in contrast to solutions that enhance care planning, communication and information sharing among professional staff working in community aged care settings [ 27 28 ].…”