Development of HealthRESPECT; An integrated service model for older long-term care hospital/nursing home patients using ICT

Background: In Korea, fast aging country, an optimal healthcare service model for older adults should be developed. The purpose of this study is to identify the current healthcare system and to develop new healthcare service model using information and communication technologies (ICT) for older patients. Methods: Qualitative literature review, focus group interview and structured survey were conducted to identify current healthcare systems for older patients. Afterwards, we developed healthcare service model which include contests of comprehensive geriatric assessment, disease management, drug management, rehabilitation and consultation service using ICT. Result: Sixty (23 hypertension, 18 diabetes and 19 heart failure) articles are reviewed. ICT based chronic disease management models was effective and patients’ satisfaction were improved. In focus group interview and structured survey, current patients and medical information transfer between hospitals was inconvenient, costly and time consuming, especially in long-term care hospital (LTCH) and nursing home (NH) and the necessity of service model to manage older patients using ICT was confirmed. ICT based service model for older patients dwelling LTCH and NH was developed (Health-RESPECT) which include evidence based 1) comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and establishment of customized management strategy 2) chronic disease management service with decision support system 3) potentially inappropriate medication management service 4) rehabilitation service and 5) consultation and videoconference service. Conclusion : This study is meaningful to identify current healthcare systems in older adults and to develop a system to manage older patient living in LTCH and NH using ICT. However, Health-RESPECT service model will need to be validated in further study.