“It depends on the people!” – A qualitative analysis of contextual factors, prior to the implementation of digital health innovations for chronic condition management, in a German integrated care network

Abstract

Objective Integrated care and digital health technology interventions are promising approaches to coordinate services for people living with chronic conditions, across different care settings and providers. The EU-funded ADLIFE project intends to provide digitally integrated personalized care to improve and maintain patients’ health with advanced chronic conditions. This study conducted a qualitative assessment of contextual factors prior to the implementation of the ADLIFE digital health platforms at the German pilot site. The results of the assessment are then used to derive recommendations for action for the subsequent implementation, and for evaluation of the other pilot sites. Methods Qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals and IT experts were conducted at the German pilot site. The interviews followed a semi-structured interview guideline, based on the HOT-fit framework, focusing on organizational, technological, and human factors. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and subsequently analysed following qualitative content analysis. Results The results of the 18 interviews show the interviewees’ high openness and motivation to use new innovative digital solutions, as well as an apparent willingness of cooperation between different healthcare professionals. Challenges include limited technical infrastructure and large variability of software to record health data, lacking standards and interfaces. Conclusions Considering contextual factors on different levels is critical for the success of implementing innovations in healthcare and the transfer into other settings. In our study, the HOT-fit framework proved suitable for assessing contextual factors, when implementing IT innovations in healthcare. In a next step, the methodological approach will be transferred to the six other European pilot sites, participating in the project, for a cross-national assessment of contextual factors.