Exploring an integrated and sustainable delivery model for promoting healthy aging at home: A systematic literature review, a landscape study, and a case study on the lifestyle reactivation system 1.0

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate an integrated and sustainable delivery model for promoting healthy ageing at home. Methods: The study involved three parts: 1) a systematic literature review, 2) a landscape study, and 3) a case study on the Lifestyle Reactivation (LR) System 1.0 being developed by Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service - Hong Kong. Results: The systematic literature review identified 13 empirical studies out of 185 publications that revealed three key themes: 1) digital health technologies can reduce adverse health outcomes, 2) adherence, acceptance, and intention to use eHealth / mHealth depend on the type, nature, and content of digital technologies, mHealth literacy, and eye conditions, and 3) digital health technologies with additional support, such as video communication apps, can improve positive effects. The landscape study found that only six out of 100 apps in Hong Kong specially targeted to older adults, and the supply of all-in-one apps for holistic health management to older adults and informal carers is limited. The case study analysed the opportunities and challenges of implementing LR System 1.0 in 2019. Until March 2023, the system has engaged 923 users who spent 88,782 hours (average duration: 96 hours 11 minutes) on the system's 23 activities, which included telehealth, tel-rehab, and videos. Conclusion: This study suggests that an mHealth apps, supplemented with a health and social care team, is a promising and sustainable service delivery model for promoting older adults’ quality of life and healthy ageing at home. Further research is needed to determine how the contributive factors affect each other and which delivery model can promote eHealth/mHealth services in Hong Kong effectively and efficiently.