Engaging with older people about digital technologies through nongovernmental organizations: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction

This scoping review investigates the extent and nature of existing evidence on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and related mechanisms of engagement and challenges in issues of caring for older persons through digital technologies. We map research and practice gaps, contributing factors and best practices in NGOs. The rising use of digital technology in health care and the role that NGOs have in supporting older people in this context is relevant to nurses and service development leaders, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing care in the 21^st century.

Methods

A three-stage systematic and comprehensive search strategy based on the JBI methodology for scoping reviews was employed across multiple databases and grey literature sources.

Results

In this review, 8,348 abstracts were retrieved. After deduplication, 7,099 titles and abstracts were reviewed. A total of 263 publications were selected for full-text review and 50 included for analysis. NGOs use digital tools to directly engage older adults in programs (e. g., information delivery) and indirectly to collaborate with other organizations (e.g., training programs) to promote digital inclusion. Factors such as individual capabilities, trust and access, technological factors (accessibility and user-friendliness of technology), and socio-cultural and system-wide factors affect how NGOs engage with older adults.

Conclusion

Our findings are summarized in the key domains: key organizations, mode of engagement, interorganizational process and digital technology are discussed and offer current insights into the varied engagement of NGOs with older people and its challenges concerning technology. Many interrelated factors, along with barriers and facilitators that influence older persons’ engagement with technology, have been identified.