A systematic review of practice standards and research ethics in technology-based home health care intervention programs for older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the review is to assess frequencies of reporting adherence to professional practice standards and research ethics in studies of technology-based home health care programs.


METHODS
Key databases were searched to yield 2,866 abstracts that were independently rated by two reviewers using inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 107 articles that were then reviewed for reports of practice standards and research ethics.


RESULTS
Issues related to professional practice standards and research ethics were not well reported. When reported, adherence to practice standards included preintervention training, use of intervention protocols, supervision, and mechanisms for risk management. Research ethics most commonly reported were informed consent, REB/IRB approval, and protection of privacy.


CONCLUSIONS
The results raise questions as to whether practice standards and research ethics are addressed sufficiently when health service delivery occurs in technology-based environments. Guidelines for professional accountability in e-health service delivery are needed.
Marziali
Elsa
E
Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. elsa.marziali@utoronto.ca
Serafini
Julie M Dergal
JM
McCleary
Lynn
L
D000368:Aged; D003219:Confidentiality; D034742:Electronic Mail / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D032984:Ethics, Research; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D018907:Privacy; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States