title: Health information technologies in geriatrics and gerontology: a mixed systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review, categorize, and synthesize findings from the literature about the application of health information technologies in geriatrics and gerontology (GGHIT).
  
  
  METHODS
  This mixed-method systematic review is based on a comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, PsychInfo and ABI/Inform Global. Study selection and coding were performed independently by two researchers and were followed by a narrative synthesis. To move beyond a simple description of the technologies, we employed and adapted the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  112 papers were included. Analysis revealed five main types of GGHIT: (1) telecare technologies (representing half of the studies); (2) electronic health records; (3) decision support systems; (4) web-based packages for patients and/or family caregivers; and (5) assistive information technologies. On aggregate, the most consistent finding proves to be the positive outcomes of GGHIT in terms of clinical processes. Although less frequently studied, positive impacts were found on patients' health, productivity, efficiency and costs, clinicians' satisfaction, patients' satisfaction and patients' empowerment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further efforts should focus on improving the characteristics of such technologies in terms of compatibility and simplicity. Implementation strategies also should be improved as trialability and observability are insufficient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results will help organizations in making decisions regarding the choice, planning and diffusion of GGHIT implemented for the care of older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Solidage Research Group on Frailty and Aging, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vedel
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhlaghpour
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vaghefi
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bergman
authors.forename: Liette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lapointe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017216:Telemedicine
keywords: Health information technology; chronic disease; diffusion of innovation; geriatrics; gerontology