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Background and purpose

The older population is steadily increasing globally and in Sweden and there is a fear that dwindling human and financial resources will not be sufficient to provide high-quality person-centred homecare in the near future. To address this situation initiatives have been taken to use digital technologies as a part of the solution. To explore the potential of using artificial intelligence-supported Industry 4.0 technology in the homecare setting, a research project was initiated in Sweden. This study aimed to identify preferences and expectations of older homecare users for a digital homecare twin to facilitate ageing in place and is an integral part of the project. A digital twin in this context is a digital representation of homecare clients and their homes, as well as homecare services and personnel, which is informed by sensor data. Sensor data may include information on older adults’ daily life in real time, their movement patterns and behaviors, as well as information on deviations in health indicators. It is believed that a digital twin with this kind of data, has the potential to add value for older people. The digital twin can lead to a better understanding of the homecare system and identifying areas for improvement. The digital twin is expected to support the homecare services and lead to more personalized services, and thereby improve homecare user satisfaction.  

Methods

This study employs a qualitative strategy in which focus groups discussions are conducted in two municipalities in Sweden, involving a total of 24 older homecare users. The participants represent people of various age and gender, with diverse living and housing situations as well as homecare needs. During the two-hour focus group sessions, the participants discuss valued outcomes of homecare services, how a digital twin can help with reaching valued outcomes, and preferences and expectations for a digital homecare twin. The focus groups are recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. 

Findings

The analysis will be completed by the end of 2023 and the results will be presented at ECSWR 2024.

Conclusions and implications

This study explores the potential of digital twins in homecare services by capturing the voices and preferences of older adults to tailor specific solutions. Employing focus group discussions will engage older adults in expressing their needs and concerns which later can be incorporated into the development of personalized digital twins.  The main outcomes of the study and their implications for practice and further research will be added once the findings are ready.