Teknologian hyödyntämiseen liittyvä yksityisyydensuoja, tietoturva ja -suoja ikääntyneiden kotipalveluissa: kyselytutkimus johtajille

The purpose of this study was to describe managers' perceptions of privacy protection, data security and protection in utilizing technology, related challenges, and solutions, and factors related not acquiring technological solutions in home care services for the older people. The study was conducted as part of STM-funded project Kotona Asumista Rohkeasti ja Itsenäisesti Teknologian Avulla (KARITA).
This cross-sectional survey study was conducted by electronic survey in Autumn 2022. The data was collected from the managers of home care services (n=68) from six public social and healthcare joint municipal authorities located in different parts of Finland. The questionnaire included four structured and two open questions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and the principles of inductive content analysis.
According to results, the issues raised by the Digi-HTA evaluations regarding data security and protection are mainly adequately considered when implementing technological solutions, but areas for development were also identified. According to managers' evaluations, factors related to data protection are adequately considered in the technology acquisition processes, and criteria related to data security have been created for the processes. The reasons for not acquiring the technology were solutions that did not meet the clients' needs, they were not perceived to make operations more efficient, lack of trustworthiness, and price. The managers' perceptions of the challenges of privacy protection and data security and protection in utilizing technology, were related to the operating environment, digital solutions, procedures, competence, and the organization's practices in the prevention of challenges. The solutions to these challenges were seen as communication and interaction, defining processes of privacy protection, data security and protection, changing procedures, and developing competence.
Taking account of factors related to privacy protection, data security and protection is mainly adequately implemented in home care services, though the challenges associated with them are perceived as diversified. The research identified a clear need for comprehensive training of all personnel, concrete evidence-based recommendations, and clear instructions of procedures. Particularly, attention should be paid to realizing the older people's right to self-determination and ensuring informed consent.