New article published in International Journal of Healthcare Management

Paper title

An effectiveness and cost estimation model for deploying assisstive technology solutions in elderly care

Authors

• Petra Maresova
  • Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
• Lukas Rezny
  • Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
• Petr Bauer
  • Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
• Oluwaseun Fadeyi
  • Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

• Olaniyi Eniayewu
  • Department of Public Health, Swansea University, Wales

• Sabina Barakovic
  • Faculty of Traffic and Communications, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Jasmina Barakovic Husic
  • Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Background: Deployment of modern assistive technologies is one of the major trends. The
main objective is the provisioning of the effectiveness and cost-estimation model for
deploying assistive technology solutions in elderly care intended for evaluation and
showing specificity to the costs and associated benefits of providing smart technological
solutions for seniors.
Methods: The model uses demographic projections taken from Eurostat for EU countries and the disability incidence from the annual report of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic as an input. The model was implemented in the software Stella Professional dedicated to system dynamics modelling.
Results: In relation to the combination of five assistive devices for the elderly the optimal
solution the cost savings are 37.8% or182 billion CZK, cumulatively in the simulated time
period 2021–2060. The model allows adjustments regarding price levels of various countries
through the caregivers’ wage. Obtained results showed robustness of the model to this
uncertainty as percentage savings varied only from 37.6% to 39.8%, a mere 2.2% difference.
Conclusion: With respect to the ongoing demographic transition, the need to employ smart
device solutions should further increase and their price could decline. The highest savings
will come from countries with higher wages for carers.