Requirements for the scale up of a geriatric aftercare program: a qualitative interview study with stakeholders – findings from the GeRas project

BACKGROUND: The increasing demand for geriatric health services, particularly in rehabilitation, has led to significant delays in the delivery of care across many regions of Germany. In response, Germany has introduced several initiatives, including innovative care models such as the telemedicine integrating multimodal, home-based geriatric aftercare programs GeRas that aimed at improving service efficiency and accessibility in geriatric rehabilitation. While such programs may increase geriatric health services capacity further exploration is needed to assess the scalability of such programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to obtain the perspective of key stakeholders (e.g., health services provider) on the requirements for scaling up of geriatric aftercare programs including a telemedicine component. METHODS: In a qualitative interview study, 12 key stakeholders were interviewed to obtain their perspectives on the requirement for such geriatric aftercare programs, as well as their scalability, including the integration of telemedicine, taking the GeRas program as an example. The interview data were analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis according to Kuckartz. RESULTS: A total of four main themes emerged from the qualitative content analysis. Theme two, including six subthemes, addressed the requirements for scalability of geriatric aftercare programs. Stakeholders emphasized the need to address financial requirements and establish transparent remuneration models for healthcare providers (1). Personnel requirements (2), and structural needs, including cross-sectional collaboration, were also highlighted (3). Additionally, the development and implementation of educational concepts for both providers and participants were discussed (4). Key requirements for a geriatric aftercare program (5) and the role of telemedicine (6) were also considered. CONCLUSION: Clear definitions of structural, personnel, and financial requirements, along with interprofessional collaboration, were essential for the scalability and success of geriatric aftercare programs. However, findings show that the scalability of these programs remains complex, yet essential. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00029559). Registered 5/10/2022.