Scale-IT-up 2025 Abstracts

Area 1 - Scale-IT-up
Full Papers

Area 1 - Scale-IT-up

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 5
Title:

Adoption and Challenges of Digital Technologies in Home Care for Older Adults in Austria: Bridging Practical and Managerial Perspectives
Authors:

Panitda Huynh
Abstract: The integration of digital technologies (monitoring, health system software, care support, etc.) into home care for older adults is becoming increasingly important as care demands rise. This paper explores the key challenges and opportunities of adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, wearables, and remote monitoring systems in home care, especially based on Austria’s healthcare sector. Through an in-depth interview study, this study addresses three critical questions: (1) How can management drive workforce adoption of digital technologies? (2) What are the main barriers and opportunities for technology integration in home care? (3) How can technology balance privacy, independence, and regulatory challenges? Our findings show that while digital tools have the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of care and support the independence of older adults, caregiver resistance, financial constraints, and regulatory challenges remain significant barriers. However, their adoption is hindered by challenges including financial constraints, regulatory complexities, and the need to address privacy concerns and user engagement among older adults. Effective management strategies, flexible solutions, and supportive regulatory frameworks are key to overcoming these barriers. By examining both practical and managerial perspectives, this study offers valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and industry leaders looking to enhance technology adoption in home care. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering successful technology integration and improving patient outcomes in home care for older adults.
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Paper Nr: 6
Title:

EDEN: Towards a Computational Framework to Align Incentives in Healthy Aging
Authors:

Wasu Mekniran and Tobias Kowatsch
Abstract: Incentive misalignment among healthcare stakeholders poses significant barriers to promoting healthy aging, hindering efforts to mitigate the burden of long-term care. Despite extensive research in public health, incentive gaps persist, as static implementation guidelines often fail to accommodate dynamic and conflicting incentives. This study introduces and evaluates EDEN (eden.ethz.ch), a computational framework designed to dynamically map stakeholder incentives using a Retrieval-Augmented Generation pipeline. A comparative study using a health insurer use case evaluates alternative incentive analyses; qualitative content analysis, large language models, and EDEN. The evaluation assesses their ability to identify and address incentive gaps. Preliminary findings demonstrate the EDEN's ability to map incentives and highlight misalignment compared to alternative approaches. These findings demonstrate how EDEN can offer evidence-based strategies for key healthcare stakeholders, such as health insurers, based on retrieval features to align incentives in healthy aging.
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Paper Nr: 8
Title:

Challenges and Innovations in Digitizing Elderly Care in Switzerland: A Single Case Study
Authors:

Estelle Pfitzer and Tobias Kowatsch
Abstract: Switzerland’s aging population, with the old-age dependency ratio reaching 32% in 2023, has significantly increased the demand for efficient elderly care services that enable seniors to live independently for longer. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in digitizing elderly care in Switzerland through the lens of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Using a qualitative single-case study approach focused on a Swiss-based company specializing in AI-powered tools for home-based care, the study addresses two key research questions: (1) What are the challenges in digitizing elderly care in Switzerland? and (2) How can digital health technologies support this sector? The findings reveal key challenges, including economic disincentives, workforce imbalances, and fragmented technology adoption, while also demonstrating how tailored digital tools can enhance preventive care and improve operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, care providers, and digital health companies are crucial for advancing sustainable and equitable elderly care.
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Paper Nr: 9
Title:

Longitudinal Analysis of Disease Progression in the Elderly: An Approach to Mitigate the Burden of Frailty, Functional and Cognitive Decline
Authors:

Patrizia Ribino, Giovanni Paragliola, Claudia Di Napoli, Luca Serino, Davide Chicco and Francesca Gasparini
Abstract: Mitigating age-related cognitive and functional decline is of paramount importance, especially in aging countries that are increasingly at risk of frailty and disability among the elderly population. This decline not only poses significant challenges for the elderly themselves but also contributes to an increased burden on caregivers. In particular, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of cognitive decline in people aged 65 and older. It typically begins with mild memory problems that gradually worsen, leading to significant loss of brain function. Early detection of indicators of cognitive decline is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, so acting as early as possible can improve the quality of life of older adults. This study analyzes the OASIS-3 dataset of Electronic Mental Health Records (EMHRs), focusing on identifying different trajectories of cognitive decline over time in stable and progressing individuals. Unlike many studies that analyze groups of patients at single points in time, this study uses a longitudinal approach to examine Alzheimer’s disease progression over time using clustering analysis. This study uses a k-means-based joint longitudinal data algorithm to cluster joint trajectories to identify distinct subgroups within a population according to their longitudinal profiles.
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Paper Nr: 11
Title:

Beyond Safety: Towards Non-Stigmatizing Mobile Emergency Watches that Empower Older Adults
Authors:

Marcia Nißen and Simon Prinz
Abstract: The ageing population presents significant challenges for healthcare systems, creating a need for innovative digital health technologies (DHTs) to enhance autonomy, safety, and care outcomes for older adults. Mobile emergency watches offer a modern, non-stigmatizing alternative to traditional emergency buttons, combining mobility and functionality. This paper explores their potential to bring relief to older adults as well as overloaded healthcare systems by appealing to a broader audience and enabling more independent lifestyles than traditional emergency devices and addresses three core challenges: (1) balancing simplicity and reliability with advanced functionalities; (2) achieving equitable, personalised designs that balance non-stigmatizing aesthetics and functionality; and (3) navigating fragmented and evolving regulatory frameworks for DHTs. These challenges are analysed through the lens of a single case study, based on an expert interview and publicly available information on a mobile emergency watch startup. The paper discusses pathways to overcome these barriers, bridging gaps between innovation, user needs, and regulatory requirements.
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Paper Nr: 14
Title:

Longitudinal Data Acquisition for AI Services in Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults
Authors:

Rinu Elizabeth Paul, Pantea Kock, Yale Hartmann, Eckhard Ball, Kathrin Seibert, Hui Liu and Tanja Schultz
Abstract: Data is essential for analysis, processing, feature extraction, and machine learning models, serving as a cornerstone for developing patient-centered digital health technologies for older adults. Most datasets in older adult applications are collected in controlled laboratories, with fewer from natural environments. Data collection and processing in natural settings is challenging, often yielding both usable and unusable data. This paper focuses on collecting data from older residents in long-term care facilities using sensor boxes installed in resident rooms. The sensor box, equipped with a depth sensor, captures depth images around the clock. We collected continuous 24-hour depth images from 45 older residents in nursing homes over 15 months. We describe the ethical, social, and technical conditions for collecting on-site data from depth sensors in nursing homes. We propose a pipeline to process depth images and classify them into different room states and corrupted frames using machine learning models, achieving 93% accuracy in occupied room classification. Using this dataset, we aim to develop AI services such as fall detection, activity monitoring, gait analysis, sleep position monitoring, and bed exits in long-term care facilities. These insights advance digitally enabled care solutions for older adults, paving the way for innovative, sustainable strategies.
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Nr: 380
Title:

Fostering Healthy Longevity Through Active Blended Learning: Testing an “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Course Designed for Older Adults
Authors:

Burcu Demiray, Kathrin Inerle, Sina Berger, Miriam Wallimann and Zeynep Erden
Abstract: Background: Lifelong learning plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy longevity by improving physical, mental, and cognitive health, as well as fostering social integration. However, educational programs for older adults rely on passive learning models, underutilizing older adults’ potential as active learners and contributors. Our applied project WiseLearn at the Healthy Longevity Center (University of Zurich) addresses this gap by offering older learners an age-friendly e-learning platform with blended courses on contemporary topics that allow them to apply what they learn. In collaboration with innovation management experts at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, we have tested the feasibility of a blended “design thinking” course for older learners (funded by DIZH; Digitalization Initiative of Zurich Higher Education Institutions). Findings from this feasibility study with five participants (Mean age = 64, one woman) showed that integrating active methodologies such as design thinking into lifelong learning not only improves older adults’ educational experience, but also empowers them to innovate and contribute meaningfully to society (publication under review). Participants valued the course’s modern topic, focus on innovation, and collaborative approach. They developed original ideas and built social-impact projects out of these ideas by using design thinking methods and tools (e.g., Podcast for senior citizens). Building on these promising preliminary results, we have been developing a full-scale course on “innovation and entrepreneurship”. Methods: This new course will be tested with a new group of older learners in February 2025. The course modules combine theory acquisition (online; e-learning) with practical application (on site) in a blended format. Both qualitative (e.g., interviews) and quantitative research methods (e.g., questionnaires) will be used to assess the accessibility and content qualities of the course, as well as learning experiences, satisfaction and performance. Furthermore, pre- and post-course measures will be used to examine psychological variables such as learners’ well-being, sense of belonging, and perception of their societal impact. By focusing on these psychological and social dimensions, the study aims to uncover the broader effects of such learning interventions on healthy longevity. Implications: This study seeks to establish the feasibility and impact of blended learning interventions tailored for older adults. Beyond assessing the technical and content accessibility, it explores the psychological benefits of active learning approaches. This research will provide critical insights into the potential for scaling up these interventions via a platform to foster healthy longevity. By empowering older adults as active learners and innovators, this approach holds the promise of transforming lifelong learning into a tool for prevention of decline, personal growth, and societal contribution.
Nr: 381
Title:

Promoting Healthy Aging by Co-Developing an Educational Digital Platform Against Ageism with Older Adults: A Use Case from Switzerland
Authors:

Miriam Wallimann, Kathrin Inerle, Andrea Ferrario, Erica Benz-Steffen and Burcu Demiray
Abstract: Ageism encompasses stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination based on an individual’s age, predominantly affecting older adults (Iversen et al., 2009). It has detrimental effects on physical, psychological and social health, contributing to premature mortality, decreased life quality, as well as increased healthcare costs (Levy et al., 2002, Chang et al., 2020). Despite urgent calls for action to counter ageism (WHO, 2021), research-based initiatives in Switzerland are still scarce. To close this gap, we are launching an anti-ageism campaign to promote healthy aging by (1) raising awareness and providing educational materials about ageism, (2) collecting real-life experiences from older adults, and (3) fostering a community to combat age-related discrimination. Key to achieve the goals of our campaign is an online digital platform—envisioned as a multi-purpose website—which is planned to be launched in Spring 2025. We are co-developing the digital platform with older adults, leveraging advantages of scalability and accessibility of digital technology. Design processes promoting user-centricity and co-development foster inclusion of real-life experiences of older adults, the identification of their needs and barriers, resulting in more robust and sustainable digital solutions (Duque et al., 2019). To co-develop the digital platform, we created a sounding board of N = 7 retired adults (M age = 69.71; four women) providing advisory input throughout the project. We collected their inputs in four focus group meetings and an online survey. Qualitative analyses identified major themes for each of the digital platform’s aims: empowerment of older adults and avoidance of victimization was recommended. Moreover, linking educational resources to actionable guidelines was highlighted. Then, motivators for sharing ageism experiences, such as anonymous reporting were brought up. Difficulty of recognizing ageism in everyday life was named a key challenge. Finally, the value of various online and offline interaction opportunities and active involvement in working towards educational and social objectives, including fostering intergenerational exchanges was emphasized. These preliminary findings highlight the importance of incorporating older adults’ perspectives in developing digital educational interventions to address ageism. They will inform real-life data collection from older adults and the design of educational interventions that will be promoted by the digital platform.
Nr: 382
Title:

Study Protocol: Integrating Non-Invasive Sweat Lactate Monitoring and Digital Health Support for Sepsis Management
Authors:

Karmen Markov, Sophie Vervullens, Maarten Gijssel and Andres Mellik
Abstract: Background: Sepsis causes 11 million deaths annually and is challenging to diagnose, especially in resource-limited ICUs. Non-invasive sweat lactate monitoring offers a promising approach for early detection and management. Objective: This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of the IDRO sweat lactate biosensor integrated with the CoNurse digital platform for managing sepsis in ICUs and supporting post-discharge care. Secondary objectives include validating a predictive machine learning model for sepsis onset using multimodal inputs like sweat lactate and electronic health records. Methods: A prospective, multi-center cohort study will include 120 ICU patients at risk of sepsis and post-discharge care for recovering patients. Sweat lactate will be monitored twice daily using the IDRO device and compared with blood lactate levels. Clinical data, including SOFA scores, biomarkers, and vital signs, will validate a predictive model for sepsis onset. Post-discharge, CoNurse will support personalized care plans and caregiver engagement. Usability of both platforms will be assessed using standardized tools. Expected Outcomes: The study aims to validate sweat lactate monitoring and digital health integration for early sepsis detection and streamlined care. Findings will inform scalable, cost-effective strategies to enhance sepsis management in critical care settings.