Leveraging Internet and Medical Care Platforms for Enhanced Home Care

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the utility of "internet + big data + medical care" approach in providing comprehensive management
and care services for the elderly in an ageing society.
Method: The study was conducted at Ya'an People's Hospital, China, from October 2021 to October 2022, and comprised
elderly individuals aged at least 60 years who were randomly divided into intervention group A receiving care through an
"internet + big data + medical care" platform, and control group B receiving conventional community-based care. The
subjects were assessed at baseline as well as at 6 and 12 months of intervention in terms of quality of life, activities of daily
living, self-management ability, and satisfaction with home care services. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results: Of the 180 participants, 106 (59%) were male, and 74 (41%) were female, with an equal distribution of 90 individuals
(50%) in each group. Participants aged 60 years and above were included in the study. Significant improvements were
observed in the quality-of-life dimensions in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Additionally, activities of daily living
(ADLs) scores significantly increased in group A following the intervention (p<0.05), and overall satisfaction levels were
higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The "Internet + big data + medical care" approach could enhance self-management capabilities of the elderly,
and improved the quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes.
Keywords: Elderly care, Internet + big data, Self-management, Quality of life, Rural areas.