Abstract
Background: Population ageing has increased worldwide in recent years. An ageing population results in the rise of chronic conditions, requiring new means to provide more accessible healthcare to these patients and highlighting the need for new healthcare models. Digital tools might be the answer, enhancing accessibility to health services and promoting universal coverage for more integrated care intervention.
This study aimed to understand and identify the facilitators, barriers, and recommendations for implementing a Case Management (CM) program based on digital tools.
Approach: A qualitative descriptive design was chosen to answer the three key elements of this research: facilitating factors, barriers and recommendations in implementing a digitally based CM program. The method used to gather the stakeholders' insights was the eDelphi consensus technique. After the approval by the Ethics Commission, an invitation was sent by e-mail with information on the study and the research team, and a Forms survey link. The process involved two rounds of data collection and a third for consensus assessment, performed between May and September 2024, with responses processed and analysed in Excel.
Results: The study involved 12 experts, mostly female, aged 41-50, with diverse health sector experience (nurse, health administrator, college teacher, doctor). The results showed that CM is an adequate intervention for patients with multimorbidity and more cost-effective than traditional health provision. The results highlighted the concern regarding digital literacy for patients and professionals and a lack of investment in digital resources by health institutions. It was emphasised the importance of digital training and education. For interoperability and communication, experts found it essential to use already existing digital tools and programs available in the systems.
Consensus was reached in most categories, with over 70% agreement among participants.
The information drawn from content analysis agrees with evidence found in literature and current projects referred to in the research.
Implications: With digital transformation and revolution at our doorsteps, there is concern about digital literacy and the importance of training and education regarding the use of digital tools. The findings offer a clear framework for developing a CM program using digital tools, aligning with existing literature and current projects. This study's results can be used as guidelines for creating a CM program based on digital tools. Its topics must be considered when implementing digital tools in healthcare for better-adapted interventions and care. This study can guide the integration of digital tools in healthcare, ensuring interventions are more effectively tailored to these patient needs.