Identification, validation, and prioritization of digital health interventions in hospital-at-home care: A mixed methods study of professional perspectives

Authors

• Terhi-Maija Isakov Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu
• Henna Härkönen Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu; Medical Research Center Oulu
• Sanna Pekanoja Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu
• Fan Wang Martti Ahtisaari Institute, Oulu Business School, University of Oulu
• Gillian Vesty Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), Melbourne
• Miia Jansson Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu; Medical Research Center Oulu; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.177886

Keywords:

digital health, home care services, delivery of health care

Abstract

There is a growing need to develop digital services that optimize service utilization and enhance healthcare accessibility, quality, and efficiency in hospital-at-home care. A mixed method research design was employed to identify, validate, and prioritize digital health interventions that support digital transformation in hospital-at-home care.

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected sequentially across two phases between September and October 2024. Nineteen professionals participated in a group interview, a World Café session, and a survey incorporating a content validity assessment and a prioritization exercise. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive–deductive content analysis, and the Content Validity Index and Weighted Ranking Points were used to evaluate and prioritize the identified digital health interventions.

The expected benefits of digital transformation in hospital‑at‑home care were organized into 13 main categories and 34 subcategories addressing accessibility, quality, equity, effectiveness, safety, and cost‑effectiveness of hospital‑at‑home care. The anticipated benefits of the 30 identified potential solutions were synthesized into 98 statements. In the quantitative phase, the item‑level content validity index of these solutions ranged from 0.20 to 1.00. The highest‑ranked digital health interventions for implementation in hospital‑at‑home care were interoperable electronic health records, video conferencing systems, geospatial assistive technologies, and the nationwide Kanta medication list.

The findings generate actionable insights into real‑world expectations, identifying high‑value digital health interventions for hospital‑at‑home implementation and indicating the need for further investigation across implementation, clinical, and economic domains.