Telemedicine in nursing homes: Insights on the social acceptance and ethical acceptability of telemedical consultations

Julia Offermann; Martina Ziefle; Nataliya Sira; Dominik Groß; Optimal@NRW Research Group; Saskia Wilhelmy

doi:10.1177/20552076231213444

Telemedicine in nursing homes: Insights on the social acceptance and ethical acceptability of telemedical consultations

Digit Health. 2023 Nov 8:9:20552076231213444. doi: 10.1177/20552076231213444. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Julia Offermann¹, Martina Ziefle¹, Nataliya Sira², Dominik Groß²; Optimal@NRW Research Group; Saskia Wilhelmy²

Affiliations

¹ Chair of Communication Science, Human-Computer Interaction Center, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
² Institute for History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing number of older adults in need of care, the resulting rise in demand for care services and the shortage of nursing staff are major challenges for society. In these situations, the use of telemedicine seems promising - especially in nursing homes when the focus is on rapid support in acute medical cases. However, in addition to the medical and technical potential, the acceptability and usability of the use of telemedical consultations are crucial for a sustainable implementation and acceptance. Our research aims at a holistic identification of socially and ethically relevant parameters for the evaluation of telemedical consultations in nursing homes.

Methods: Presentation of the empirical approach of an interdisciplinary cooperation that combines social and ethical research perspectives during an entire research project. Qualitative analysis of social and ethical aspects based on an interview study with care personnel (N = 14) who have experiences with telemedical consultations in nursing homes, as an example of this interdisciplinary collaboration and to show first insights.

Results: The results of the interview study show a slightly positive evaluation of the use of telemedical consultations in nursing homes. Six main categories were identified to capture and differentiate ethically and socially relevant perceived benefits and barriers (contact with physicians, general, personnel-related, residents-related, technical, and organizational aspects).

Conclusion: The study results allow initial recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine consultations in nursing homes considering socially and ethically relevant aspects. These recommendations can be used to inform medical and technical experts in the field of telemedicine. In addition, the presentation of the interdisciplinary collaboration shows that the close integration of social and ethical aspects in research enables a holistic dimension of the use of telemedicine.

Keywords: Telemedicine; ethical acceptability; nursing homes; social acceptance; telemedical consultations.