Emerging Technologies in Community-Based Older Adult Care: The Perception of Nurses.

Abstract

Background: Concurrent with a growing shortage of nurses, the number of older adults living with chronic conditions and disabilities in the community is increasing. Emerging technologies present solutions that may impact nurses' training and patient care.

Purpose: This study was designed to explore (a) the familiarity of nurses with emerging technologies, their need for additional training, and their perception of the effects of these technologies on the care of older adults in the community and (b) the relationships between the research variables and, respectively, sociodemographic and professional data.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, and a structured questionnaire was distributed to community nurses throughout Israel between November 2022 and February 2023.

Results: Positive associations were found between nurses' familiarity with technology, the need for additional training, and the perceived general and specific effects of these technologies on older adult care. Moreover, technological familiarity and the need for training predicted the perceived impact of these technologies on older adult care.

Conclusions/implications for practice: The results highlight the importance of familiarizing nurses in community settings with emerging and advanced technologies. This may promote and improve the quality of care provided to older adults in the community. Moreover, continuing training and education for nurses on emerging technologies are essential to familiarize nurses with new technologies, increase technology acceptance, and enhance the quality of care provided to older adults in the community.