Table 1.

Gaps, barriers, and actions needed for a better implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCD)

Gaps and barriers	Actions needed for a better implementation of ICTs in older persons with NCDs
Variations in ICT use within Europe	Development and use of linked pharmaceutical, medical and care registries at both national and European levels Better use of integrated care models that use ICT to support information sharing between healthcare providers
Under-use of electronic health records	Increased use of electronic health methods in all European countries, ideally with standardized methods
Frequent use of single-domain outcomes	Development of ICTs that combine multiple dimensions (e.g., physical functioning, mental health, and well-being) More extensive use of comprehensive multi-modal IT-based interventions
Shortage of clinical trials on current technologies	Use of different trial types, including randomized control trials and adaptive trials More trials designed to assess multiple outcomes (e.g., clinical outcomes and symptomology, quality of life, functioning, and mental health)
Lack of involvement of patients and caregivers in ICT development	ICT developers need to include the intended users during the creation process (including consultation with healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers)
Lack of ICTs for people with cognitive or sensory impairment	Better customization and design of ICTs for persons with visual or hearing impairment, or persons with cognitive dysfunction Testing of ICTs in diverse patient groups is needed
Lack of longitudinal big data, and issues with fragmented data, privacy issues and data standardization	Better linking of currently available big data at national and European levels Initiatives to decrease data fragmentation Development of policies regarding security and privacy issues