The Use of Age-Friendly Technology in the Care of Older Adults: Two Implementation Case Studies

Telemedicine has become standard in health care, and telehealth access is increasingly important. Some populations such as older adults may not have the tools nor the understanding to successfully use telehealth. We describe two cases where GrandPad, a tablet designed for older adults, was implemented at the University of California, San Francisco in (1) a home-based primary care practice and (2) a dementia specialty clinic. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we assess the barriers and facilitators to implementing GrandPad and present user outcomes. Most participants found GrandPad easy and comfortable to use, though there were mixed results about connecting with the provider's office. Our implementation science analysis demonstrates that GrandPad may best be used when there is otherwise no access to telehealth, where there are frequent visits, and a need for continuity of care. Successful implementation includes clear integration into existing clinic processes, understanding users' abilities, reducing provider barriers, and fostering potential users' interest.