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Exploring Professionals’ Perceptions of the Potential of Digital Twins in Homecare—A Focus Group Study in Sweden
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare, Care Sciences. Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare, Caring Science/Nursing.ORCID iD: 0009-0008-0721-7487
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare, Caring Science/Nursing.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3356-7583
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare, Care Sciences.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4432-5256
2026 (English)In: Healthcare, E-ISSN 2227-9032, Vol. 14, no 3, article id 289Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background/Objectives: The growing number of older adults with complex healthcare needs increases demand for homecare services, while a shrinking workforce often lacks skills for advanced tasks. Digital health is seen as a promising tool to address these challenges. This study explored Swedish homecare professionals’ perceptions of the potential use of digital twins in daily work. Methods: Four focus group discussions were conducted with 31 homecare professionals; two groups each in one urban/rural and one rural municipality. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged: (i) Perceptions of digital twins as support for older adults, including needs-based, individualized care and proactive support enabling preventive measures; (ii) Perceptions of digital twins as support for professionals, including a better work environment through streamlined tasks and flows and enhanced planning and assessment; and (iii) Concerns about digital twins, focusing on ethical and social issues and limited understanding, which were related to monitoring aspects, the importance of physical visits, and how the technology works. Conclusions: Digital twins are perceived by professionals to have the potential to improve homecare services by supporting both older adults and professionals; however, further research is needed to address concerns and practical implications.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2026. Vol. 14, no 3, article id 289
Keywords [en]
caregiver support; digital health technology, digital twin, focus group, homecare, older adult, smart home technology
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:du-52848DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14030289ISI: 001687877000001PubMedID: 41682139OAI: oai:DiVA.org:du-52848DiVA, id: diva2:2032087
Funder
Forte, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, 2021-02121Dalarna UniversityAvailable from: 2026-01-26 Created: 2026-01-26 Last updated: 2026-03-11Bibliographically approved

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Saade, SandraNordin, SusannaBorg, Johan

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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
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