Does welfare technology contribute to security, activity, participation and independence within municipal elder care? A qualitative study protocol.

Abstract

Introduction: In Swedish municipal elder care, there is a growing expectation that welfare technology (WT) will play a pivotal role in addressing the increasingly complex needs of older persons who receive municipal elder care. As the ageing population continues to rise, the strain on welfare resources both, human and financial, intensifies. The adoption of WT holds promise for enhancing the well-being of older persons, their significant others, organisations and caregiving staff. However, the perspectives of older persons, significant others, staff and decision-makers' on the aspects of security, activity, independence and participation that WT aims to influence needs further investigation. Thus, the overall purpose of the project is to explore how WT is perceived, implemented and experienced by different stakeholders within municipal elder care and to determine if, and how, WT contributes to the person's security, activity, participation and independence.

Methods and analysis: The project has a qualitative approach and will use thematic analysis. Data will be collected through semistructured interviews with different stakeholders-(a) older persons, (b) significant others, (c) staff and (d) decision-makers (ie, local politicians and local governmental officials)-in organisations within municipal elder care that use WT.

Ethics and dissemination: The study is approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr 2023-07203-01). All participants will provide informed consent. Dissemination of the results will be achieved through scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. During manuscript preparation, the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research will be followed. The knowledge gained from the project will be shared with participating organisations, where presentations and discussions regarding the project will be offered. Stakeholders and the public will also be offered opportunities to attend seminars and lectures provided by participating universities.