Digital healthcare services in the context of age-friendly community initiatives in China: a realist evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding digital healthcare services in age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives and their implementation is crucial for developing evidence-based policies and practices. In this study, we aim to explore the question, "What is it about digital healthcare services that work, for whom, and under what circumstances?" in top-down AFC initiatives using Shanghai, China, as a representative case.

Methods

We employed a novel realist evaluation methodology and gathered insights from critical informants and users, including policymakers, community officers responsible for implementing AFC initiatives, and older adults.

Results

The findings revealed six context-mechanism-outcome configurations. The government-led top-down AFC initiative, along with its related po

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature