Implementation and impacts of virtual team-based care planning for older persons in formal care settings: A scoping review

Harrison Gao; Marie-Lee Yous; Denise Connelly; Lillian Hung; Anna Garnett; Melissa Hay; Nancy Snobelen

doi:10.1177/20552076231151567

Implementation and impacts of virtual team-based care planning for older persons in formal care settings: A scoping review

Digit Health. 2023 Jan 23:9:20552076231151567. doi: 10.1177/20552076231151567. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Harrison Gao¹, Marie-Lee Yous², Denise Connelly³, Lillian Hung⁴, Anna Garnett⁵, Melissa Hay³, Nancy Snobelen⁶

Affiliations

¹ Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
² School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
³ School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁴ School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
⁵ Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁶ Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN), Mississauga, ON, Canada.

Abstract

Objective: This scoping review aimed to summarize current knowledge about the implementation, impacts, facilitators and barriers of virtual team-based care planning for older persons in formal care settings (e.g. home and community, primary, long-term and acute care).

Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology was used. The Arksey and O'Malley and Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien methodologies provided additional frameworks. Databases accessed included PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, PsycInfo and Scopus. Reference lists of selected articles and grey literature retrieved through Google and Google Scholar were also reviewed. Three researchers screened titles, abstracts and conducted full-text reviews. Extracted data were mapped in a table and analysed for summative themes. Older persons and family partners assisted in interpreting findings based on their lived experiences.

Results: A total of 27 studies were included. Virtual team-based care planning led to many positive outcomes for older persons (e.g. decreased depression, reduced falls and improved medication management) and their families (e.g. reduced caregiver stress and improved caregiving skills). Only four studies reported the involvement of older persons and/or families in virtual team-based care planning. Multiple barriers to adopting virtual team-based care planning were found including lack of education/training for older persons and families in using technology.

Conclusion: Despite the multiple advantages that virtual team-based care planning offers for older persons and families, it is important to ensure that this care can be offered to all. There is a need to ensure that health equity is addressed to promote access to care and respond to social determinants of health.

Keywords: family; formal care settings; healthcare providers; older persons; team-based care planning; virtual care.

Publication types

Review