Google Chrome Enterprise: Digital Health in the Home
Project Overview
In partnership with Google Chrome Enterprise, the Global Centre for Modern Ageing® (GCMA) undertook a study investigating the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian healthcare industry to understand older Australian’s thoughts and concerns when implementing and integrating health technologies in their home.
The GCMA's research (detailed in the Ageing in the Right Place report) confirmed that older people want to remain in their own home for as long as possible, even when they begin to require care and support. At the same time, governments are increasingly exploring ways to minimise hospital presentations, particularly as a result of falls in the home. Driven by older peoples’ desires and economic forces, we see an increasing shift away from traditional aged care and healthcare service provision towards the provision of in-home services where possible and face-to-face engagement when needed. Google Chrome Enterprise and the GCMA were interested in shedding light upon the barriers to uptake of health technologies for clinicians, aged care and community members.
“For the Google Chrome Enterprise team, working with GCMA has been an outstanding experience. Their domain knowledge, detailed insights, and expertise across the aging ecosystem has been invaluable as we continue to tailor our products and services to best support the sector. We look forward to expanding our partnership further with the GCMA team.”
The Research
The GCMA undertook a multi-methods approach including desktop research providing an overview of existing research on health technologies and their uses in the home. This research informed the development of in-depth interviews with 32 participants, including clinicians, senior-aged care staff and community members.
Interviews were 45 minutes long and were guided by a series of questions and discussion points tailored to the cohort. The study was completed between February and March 2021.
Outcomes
The GCMA LifeLab® provided the client with insights gathered from the desktop research and participants, identifying barriers to industry and potential opportunities. These insights assisted Google Chrome Enterprise by informing their strategy and approach to the aged care and health sectors.
Key insights of the research:
Quality of care must remain the top priority;
Usability is vital for adoption by both community members and professionals;
Reimbursement paths need to be clearer for clinicians;
An independent, consistent, and comprehensive validation process for health technologies is needed;
Skills shortages need to be bridged through hiring, skills development, effective training, support and partnerships;
The perceived benefits of digital health technologies need to be leveraged;
Devices should be easily integrated into the existing technology ecosystems;
Information should be easily accessible and colloquially written to overcome data privacy concerns;
Industry needs to look at the big picture by reviewing digital capabilities from a broad, holistic perspective instead of incremental change.
More Information
To learn more about this case study, and how the Global Centre for Modern Ageing® can support your business, contact our knowledgeable team today on +61 8 6117 5510.
