Background: As our global population ages, malnutrition and sarcopenia are increasingly prevalent. Given the multifactorial nature of these conditions, effective management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia necessitates interprofessional collaboration (IPC). This study aimed to understand primary and social care professionals’ barriers, facilitators, preferences, and needs regarding interprofessional management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted a qualitative, Straussian, grounded theory study. We collected data using online semi-structured focus group interviews. A grounded theory data analysis was performed using open, axial, and selective coding, followed by developing a conceptual model. Results: We conducted five online focus groups with 28 professionals from the primary and social care setting. We identified five selective codes: 1) Information exchange between professionals must be smooth, 2) Regular consultation on the tasks, responsibilities, and extent of IPC is needed; 3) Thorough involvement of older adults in IPC is preferred; 4) Coordination of interprofessional care around the older adult is needed; and 5) IPC must move beyond healthcare systems. Our conceptual model illustrates three interconnected dimensions in interprofessional collaboration: professionals, infrastructure, and older adults. Conclusion: Based on insights from professionals, interprofessional collaboration requires synergy between professionals, infra-structure, and older adults. Professionals need both infrastructure elements and the engagement of older adults for successful interprofessional collaboration.
Background: Due to demographic transitions and budget restraints, it is now necessary to search for comprehensive new strategies, in order to constitute a sustainable healthcare system. Recently, various online care platforms for community-dwelling older adults were introduced in several European countries. These platforms have aimed at solidifying social cohesion in the community, so as to support the older adults in coordinating or managing their care and to enhance the self-reliance of these older adults. Consequently, these platforms might contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system. The main research question of this study was twofold: Which online care platforms for older adults are available in the Netherlands and what are their characteristics? Methods: The researchers have performed a scoping review of the online care platforms in the Netherlands, according to the six steps of Arksey & O’Malley (2005), which were as follows: (1) Identifying the research question; (2) Identifying any relevant studies; (3) Selecting the studies; (4) Charting the data; (5) Collating, summarising and reporting on the results; together with (6) consultations with the relevant stakeholders. The study searched for evidence in online scientific databases (Phase 1) and on the Internet (Phase 2). The relevant studies that were published between February 2012 and October 2017 were included. Results: The review resulted in an overview of 21 care platforms, for which 3 types were identified: (1) Community Care Platforms; (2) Care Network Platforms; and (3) System Integrator Platforms. Conclusion: This typology of platforms can guide users – for instance, older adults, care professionals, informal caregivers and municipalities, in choosing a suitable care platform, i.e. the typology gives users insight into the functionalities, goals and target groups which allows them to choose a platform that matches their needs. As far as the authors know, no studies have previously reported on the effects of the online care platforms for older adults in the Netherlands, so further research is required on their impacts and on their benefits.
Despite its potential, the acceptance of technology to support the ability to live independently in one’s own home, also called aging in place, is not optimal. Family members may play a key role in technology acceptance by older adults; however, it is not well understood why and how they exert influence. Based on open interviews with 53 community-dwelling older adults, this paper describes the influence of family members, including spouses, on the use of various types of consumer electronics by older adults as was reported by themselves. Such a broad focus enables understanding the use of technology as was reported by older adults, instead of its intended use. Our study reveals that the influence of each family member has its own characteristics. The influence of technology acceptance is a natural and coincidental part of the interaction with spouses and grandchildren in which entertainment and pleasure are prominent. This is also partly true for the influence of children, but their influence also is intentional and driven by concerns. Our study indicates the importance of including all family members when implementing technology in the lives of older adults. Besides information for children about the use(fullness) of devices, it is worthwhile to give grandchildren an important role, because older adults easily adopt their enthusiasm and it might eventually lighten the burden on children.
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