Abstract
BACKGROUND: Residential old age institutions are currently undergoing a digital transformation process, which is characterized by an orientation towards increasing digitalization of work processes as well as the institutional infrastructure. But what does the variety of technical solutions used in these old-age institutions look like and how is the digital transformation process assessed by the managers of these institutions? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was carried out as a standardized online survey of residential old age homes throughout Switzerland. The respective managers were interviewed. The sample was made up of 466 institutions. RESULTS: Established technologies, such as television, contact and fall mats as well as software solutions in the administrative area are used almost everywhere, while robots for activating the clientele, gaming consoles or telemedical technologies are rarely used. Among those interviewed there were more people who saw advantages rather than disadvantages in the use of technical tools. The greatest obstacles that were perceived when introducing a new technology were the associated costs, a lack of employee skills and a nonexistent infrastructure. Multivariate analysis showed that the degree of digitalization in a facility depends not only on its size but above all on the technological affinity and rating of the senior staff. CONCLUSION: The degree of technology in old age institutions varies but overall it is rather sobering regarding the use of completely new technologies, such as robotics or telemedicine. Barriers to the increasing digital transformation were worked out from the survey and are discussed.