The Challenges and Value of Using Video-Assisted Education Tools and Digital Information Systems for Post-discharge Care in Elderly Patients: A Scoping Review.

Continuity of care plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of elderly patients as they transition from hospital to home. In recent years, video-assisted and digital information systems have emerged as potential tools to support this critical phase. While these technologies hold promise, there has been limited examination of their actual impact on patient outcomes and the experiences of patients and caregivers. To better understand their effectiveness, a scoping review was conducted to evaluate how well these systems maintain continuity of care and how they are perceived in post-discharge settings. The review adhered to established scoping methodologies and focused on English-language studies published between 2010 and 2022. Sources include Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Studies featuring video-based or digital discharge information, regardless of patients' age, were included to gain insight into implementation challenges. In total, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. This review reveals that in certain settings, video-assisted discharge education systems can improve patient recall, reduce hospital readmissions and revisit rates, and are generally viewed positively by patients and caregivers, particularly when the information is tailored to the individual. However, several obstacles to effective implementation were also identified, including patients' discomfort with technology, resistance from healthcare providers, social barriers, and the time constraints associated with rapid discharge processes. Despite these challenges, video-assisted and digital discharge education systems show considerable potential to enhance post-discharge care. Their effectiveness, however, depends on various factors such as patient digital literacy, the clarity and personalization of the content, and the strength of the implementation process. To fully realize their benefits, it will be essential to address technological discomfort and provider resistance, ensuring that these tools are smoothly integrated into transitional care practices.