Continuing care is in dire need of innovation. Despite the development of numerous tech solutions, long-term care (LTC) has seen a slow uptake and scaling of these tools. While this isn't unique to healthcare, other industries seem to navigate innovation more smoothly. So, what's the hold-up?

There are two key issues:

The solution isn’t solving the right problem

Sometimes, tech solutions don’t hit the mark because they weren’t designed for the LTC environment. Many technologies are created for different settings or populations and are assumed to fit into LTC with minimal adjustments. But older adults in LTC have unique needs. If the tech creators haven’t spent time in LTC settings or engaged with those who work and live there, they might miss key nuances. Understanding the people and processes is crucial—don’t forget to involve staff, residents and families to ensure the solution truly addresses the right issues.

The problem isn’t a priority

Even if a solution addresses a real problem, it might not be a top priority in the LTC setting. With limited resources, LTC homes can't tackle every issue at once. If a solution doesn’t address a high-priority problem, it risks ending up in the “valley of death”—where good ideas go to languish.

Importance of change management

Change management is key. LTC staff are often stretched thin and may view new technology as just another task. As the tech provider, it’s your job to lead the change management process. Guide the implementation, involve stakeholders in decision-making and handle the bulk of the work. Make sure your solution fits smoothly into existing workflows to avoid adding extra strain to already busy staff.

Pilots – planning for scale and sustainability

Pilots are great for testing a technology’s effectiveness on a small scale before a full rollout. However, from the start, think about how you’ll scale and sustain the technology. The real question isn’t just whether the pilot will succeed, but what comes next. A pilot might work well in a controlled setting, but scaling up requires careful planning. Have a clear strategy for broader adoption from the get-go.

These are just a few barriers to innovation in LTC. While the field is complex, innovation is more crucial than ever. Keep pushing forward and involve your stakeholders every step of the way. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, we can overcome these challenges and bring much-needed advancements to long-term care.