Beteiligung älterer Menschen im Forschungs‑ und Entwicklungsprozess von Gesundheitstechnologien

In recent years, various technologies have been developed for older people. Although participation to reduce digital inequalities is recommended at as many stages of the research and development process as possible, this is often insufficient in practice. The aim was to analyze the experiences of researchers with regard to the participation of older people. In addition to technologies, access strategies and possible barriers were also investigated.

The cross-sectional study was conducted via online survey between April and June 2022. To disseminate the study, various contact persons were identified as multipliers from research networks/projects, clinics, research institutes, and authors of thematically relevant publications based on defined criteria with different keyword combinations and contacted by email. The study was also distributed via relevant professional organizations. A total of 1653 persons were contacted. The self-developed instrument consisted of 5 subject areas. The analysis was descriptive.

Included in the analysis were 92 persons (60.9% female; age 44.3 years) from 11 federal states. Most participants are or were employed at universities of applied sciences. Digital health applications were often aimed at direct intervention. Older people were mainly involved as survey participants at the end of the research and development process and in individual phases. The use of multipliers and the target group-specific approach were evaluated as successful strategies.

Despite the low response rate, various disciplines took part. The involvement of older people in all phases was implemented by just under a quarter of participants. A variety of access strategies were used, but barriers to this topic were also pointed out.

The results provide initial indications from the perspective of research and development in Germany. In order to minimize digital inequalities among older people, active participation in all phases of the research and development process is of great importance.