Beyer, Fiona

Boulton, Elisabeth

Bower, Peter

Craig, Dawn

Hall, Alex

Hanratty, Barbara

Kunonga, Tafadzwa Patience

Spiers, Gemma Frances

Todd, Chris

Background:The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid implementation of new and existing digital technologies to facilitate access to health and care services during physical distancing. Older people may be disadvantaged, if they are unable to use smartphones, tablets, computers or other technologies.Objective:In this study, we synthesise evidence on the impact of digital technologies on older adults’ access to health and social services.Methods:We conducted a rapid review of systematic reviews, identified using comprehensive searches of six databases (January 2000 to October 2019). We looked for reviews in a population of adults aged ≥ 65 years in any setting, reporting outcomes related to the impact of technologies on access to health and social care services.Results:Seven systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria, providing data from 77 randomised controlled trials and 50 observational studies. All synthesised findings from low-quality primary studies, two using robust review methods. A majority of reviews focussed on digital technologies to facilitate remote delivery of care, including consultations and therapy. No studies examined technologies used for first contact access to care, such as online appointment scheduling. Overall, we found no reviews of technology to facilitate first contact access to health and social care such as online appointment booking systems for older populations.Conclusions:The impact of digital technologies on equitable access to services for older people is unclear. Research is urgently needed into the positive and negative consequences, with identification of the groups most vulnerable to exclusion

The University of Manchester - Institutional Repository

Do digital technologies enhance older people’s access to health and social care: a rapid review of reviews

Do digital technologies enhance older people’s access to health and social care: a rapid review of reviews

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The University of Manchester - Institutional Repository