Current status and perceived needs of information technology in Critical Access Hospitals: a survey study

The US Congress established the designation of Critical Access Hospitals in 1997, recognising rural hospitals as vital links to health for rural and underserved populations. The intent of the reimbursement system is to improve financial performance, thereby reducing hospital closures. Informatics applications are thought to be tools that can enable the sustainability of such facilities. The aim of this study is to identify the current use of information and communication technology in Critical Access Hospitals, and to assess their readiness and receptiveness for the use of new software and hardware applications and their perceived information technology (IT) needs. A survey was mailed to the administrators of all Critical Access Hospitals in one US state (Missouri) and a reminder was mailed a few weeks later. Twenty-seven out of 33 surveys were filled out and returned (response rate 82%). While most respondents (66.7%) stated that their employees have been somewhat comfortable in using new technology, almost 15% stated that their employees have been somewhat uncomfortable. Similarly, almost 12% of the respondents stated that they themselves felt somewhat uncomfortable introducing new technology. While all facilities have computers, only half of them have a specific IT plan. Findings indicate that Critical Access Hospitals are often struggling with lack of resources and specific applications that address their needs. However, it is widely recognised that IT plays an essential role in the sustainability of their organisations. The study demonstrates that IT applications have to be customised to address the needs and infrastructure of the rural settings in order to be accepted and properly utilised.FacultyReviewe

Needing smart home technologies: the perspectives of older adults in continuing care retirement communities.

ABSTRACT Background: At present, the vast majority of older adults reside in the community. Though many older adults live in their own homes, increasing numbers are choosing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which range from independent apartments to assisted living and skilled-nursing facilities. With predictions of a large increase in the segment of the population aged 65 and older, a subsequent increase in demand on CCRCs can be anticipated. With these expectations, researchers have begun exploring the use of smart home information-based technologies in these care facilities to enhance resident quality of life and safety, but little evaluation research exists on older adults’ acceptance and use of these technologies. Objective: This study investigated the factors that influence the willingness of older adults living in independent and assisted living CCRCs to adopt smart home technology. Subjects and setting Participants (n = 14) were recruited from community-dwelling older adults, aged 65 or older, living in one of two mid-western US CCRC facilities (independent living and assisted living type facilities). Methods: This study used a qualitative, descriptive approach, guided by principles of grounded theory research. Data saturation (or when no new themes or issues emerged from group sessions) occurred after four focus groups (n = 11 unique respondents) and was confirmed through additional individual interviews (n = 3). Results: The findings from this study indicate that although privacy can be a barrier for older adults’ adoption of smart home technology their own perception of their need for the technology can override their privacy concerns. Conclusions: Factors influencing self-perception of need for smart home technology, including the influence of primary care providers, are presented. Further exploration of the factors influencing older adults’ perceptions of smart home technology need and the development of appropriate interventions is necessary.This work was supported in part by the National Library of Medicine Biomedical and Health Informatics Research Training Grant T15-LM07089–14, Alpha Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International and the Center for e-Research at the University of Missouri–Columbia.FacultyReviewe