Exploring barriers to the sustainability of an electronic administration system in long-term care facilities: A case study approach

The safe provision of medicines administration is a fundamental challenge faced in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Many residents LTCFs are frail older persons with multiple morbidities, and addition to polypharmacy, particularly at risk harm due concomitant disease disability. One potential method optimise medication safety facilitate within the introduction technology. This paper explores barriers sustainability concerning use an electronic system (eMAR) LTCFs. Fifteen depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted LTCF staff (9), eMAR service commissioners (2), members implementation team (2) home strategy managers across three sites. study participants purposefully sampled each interview audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim analysed using Nvivo 11. In interviews, observational notes taken by lead researcher from visits LCTFs as form data collection. analysis process consisted two-stage thematic then theoretical mapping. Barriers identified split into four main overarching areas: structural, team, user operational barriers. adoption this setting was welcomed top-level stakeholders, however, displayed concerns over its usability. lack co-development on-going training need highlighted sustainability, risks associated current legislation. themes throughout framework highlight challenges when exploring LTCF. technology health evolving. Awareness actors relating can have significant impact on success sustainability.