Promoting physical activity and preventing falls with digital tools in care facilities - the status quo of affinity for technology and willingness to use digital solutions among nursing home employees

Background. The importance of digitalisation in health care has been growing for years. This study investigates the extent of use and implementation of digital solutions in the field of physical activity promotion in the setting of care as well as the affinity for technology and the willingness of care staff to use digital solutions. Another focus is on the conditions of use that digital concepts should fulfil, as well as possible risks that can occur when using them. Methodology. An online questionnaire was developed with quantitative and qualitative questions on the readiness to use and prerequisites for digital solutions, including two questionnaires on affinity for technology (ATI and TA-EG). The care institutions were recruited throughout Germany. The data were analysed qualitatively with MAXQDA and quantitatively with SPSS version 27. Results. 200 persons from 15 federal states participated in the survey. Comprehensive equipment with digital devices and WLAN is not yet available in care facilities. There were significant differences in the affinity for technology related to age (t (198)= 3.705; p= 0.000), gender (t (196)= -2.952; p= 0.004) and professional function (ATI: t (198)= 2.286; p= 0.023; TA-EG: t (198)= 2.126, p= 0.035). 47% of the participantshave no experience with digital solutions in the field of physical activity promotion and fall prevention. Risks identified were falls, incorrect exercise performance and reduction of social contacts. 65.4% (n= 53) of care facility managers, and 54.6% (n= 65) of staff are willing to use a digital solution. Expectations included good effectiveness, customisation options, ease of use, and good day-to-day integration. Conclusion. When implementing digital solutions, the structural situation of care facilities, which has been little digitised so far, must be taken into account. The results on technology affinity suggest that there is a willingness to use it. Possible risks and previous experiences, as well as expectations of digital solutions, must be incorporated into the development of the same in order to enable long-termuse.