Information management in the Australian aged care setting: An integrative review

Background: Information management systems and processes have an impact on quality and safety of care in any setting and particularly in the complex care setting of aged care. Few studies have comprehensively examined information management in the Australian aged care setting. Objective: To (i) critically analyse and synthesize evidence related to information management in aged care, (ii) identify aged care data collection frameworks and (iii) identify factors impacting information management. Methods: An integrative review of Australian literature published between March 2008 and August 2014 and data collection frameworks concerning information management in aged care were carried out. Results: There is limited research investigating the information-rich setting of aged care in Australia. Electronic systems featured strongly in the review. Existing research focuses on residential settings with community aged care largely absent. Information systems and processes in the setting of aged care in Australia are underdeveloped and poorly integrated. Conclusions: Data quality and access are more problematic within community aged care than residential care settings. The results of this review represent an argument for a national approach to information management in aged care to address multiple stakeholder information needs and more effectively support client care.