Managing decisions within assistive and welfare technology organizations -- Descriptive qualitative study...- International Society for Gerontechnology's (ISG) 12th World Conference of Gerontechnology, October 6-9, 2020 (Virtual)

Purpose The aim of the study was to explore what aspects that influences the decision-making in assistive technology organisations concerning new technologies. The growing number of older people is giving rise to demographic challenges and increased needs for health care services. Innovative health...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Gerontechnology Vol. 19; pp. 118 - 119
Autores principales: Baudin, K., Sundstrom, A., Gustafsson, C.
Formato: abstract proceedings research Journal Article
Publicado: International Society for Gerontechnology 2020 Supplement
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Purpose The aim of the study was to explore what aspects that influences the decision-making in assistive technology organisations concerning new technologies. The growing number of older people is giving rise to demographic challenges and increased needs for health care services. Innovative health technologies, such as assistive and welfare technologies, is essential to meet these challenges and are being introduced as possible solutions and cure of many problems in health care. A focus on the Swedish health care system is also interesting in this research area since Sweden is supposed to have one of the most sophisticated innovation systems in the OECD region (OECD, 2019). The provision of the good life through assistive and welfare technology is affected by decisions made at the regional level and therefore, it is important to understand how the decisions are made. Method Data for this descriptive qualitative study were collected from 24 semi-structured telephone and Skype interviews (30-60 min long) from managers on strategic level, in different regions in Sweden. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim followed by inductive, reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results and discussion The analysis resulted in one overarching theme, four subthemes and codes. The overarching theme "decision-making in the making", refers to the ongoing work and struggle the decision-makers do related to the political, social and legal factors in the society. The four subthemes that emerged from the analysis were; Supportive aspects, Technology aspects, Patient aspects and the Knowledge aspects. The results show that the attitudes and knowledge about new technology as well as engagement in decision-making regarding procurement of new welfare technology were positive among the managers. However, the participants perceived many barriers when deciding about new assistive and welfare technology into the assortment in their respective organizations. The result also highlights the complexity of managing decisions within health technology organizations and the need of support and collaboration on national level to manage the digital transformation.