Mapping the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Health Interventions for Older Adults: A Rapid Review

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• Effect Size: Not applicable - qualitative mapping review

• Primary Outcome: ICT use patterns in healthcare for older adults

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Thematic analysis identified benefits in accessibility, coordination, professional training, and health outcomes

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Variable - depends on digital literacy, infrastructure, and healthcare system integration Relevant to Australian aged care and primary care settings; aligns with TGA digital therapeutics framework and RACGP digital health guidelines Adults aged 55+ in healthcare settings with access to digital technologies

Abstract

This rapid review mapped how information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly digital health applications, are being used within healthcare services for adults aged 55 years and older. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and guided by the Population-Concept-Context framework, studies published between 2016 and 2024 were identified and reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, based on a previously published protocol registered on the Open Science Framework. Nineteen studies were included after critical appraisal. The findings indicate that ICT use is most frequently associated with improved accessibility and coordination of healthcare services, support for health professionals' training and care management practices, and positive health-related outcomes for older adults, particularly in the domains of mental health, social participation, and self-care. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous and often limited in its reporting of design and implementation processes, highlighting the need for further context-sensitive research that addresses ethical, equity, and implementation considerations in the use of digital health technologies for older populations.

References

1. 1.Silva, A. B., Leal, M. T., Síndico, S. R. F., Serrano-Miguel, M., & Loureiro, H. M. A. M. (2026). Mapping the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Health Interventions for Older Adults: A Rapid Review. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology. https://doi.org/10.2196/25251