Emerging Health Technologies in Long-Term Care and Suppliers' Views on Their Potential to Assist and Support the Workforce.

Abstract

Emerging technological advances hold potential to assist the long-term care (LTC) workforce in caring for an aging population in the home and LTC settings. Technology may alter workforce needs and mitigate rising workforce demand. This study identified and assessed emerging technologies that may assist, replace, and/or support recruitment and retention of the LTC workforce and identified barriers and facilitators to their implementation. We identified a variety of technologies with applications for LTC, created a taxonomy of technology types and functions across LTC settings, and conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of company leaders to assess perceived impact of their products and services on the LTC workforce. Thematic analysis of those interviews found that technology is not currently positioned to replace the LTC workforce but may facilitate work and support worker recruitment and retention. More rigorous evaluation of technologies in LTC and financing mechanisms are needed to support widespread adoption.