Implementering av välfärdsteknologi i södra Lapplands mycket glesa landsbygdskommuner

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to explore if and how welfare technological solutions areimplemented and used within different healthcare professions in southern Lapland. Also,does the use of welfare technological solutions contribute to achieving the goals of theprimary care reform a good and close health care [in Swedish God och nära vård]? Whatprerequisites do different healthcare professions have to implement welfare technology, interms of their understanding, ability and willingness?This is a qualitative study based upon interviews done with nine healthcare professionalsworking in municipalities located in the sparsely populated areas of southern Lapland. Theempiric was analysed through the lens of implementation theory based on the healthcareprofessionals understanding, ability and willingness to implement welfare technologysolutions.The results of this study show that the healthcare professionals show a great understanding ofwelfare technological solutions, and a genuine willingness to use the technology, butregarding the healthcare professionals ability to implement welfare technology are not trulyfulfilled, and in this respect there are some challenges to continue to work on.In relation to the primary care reform, a good and close health care [God och nära vård], theresults of the study show that welfare technology solutions, correctly used and in consultationwith those who intend to use the services, can be used as a tool to meet some of the goals ofthe reform. Digitization can, as a complement to physical meetings, make care moreaccessible and cost-effective while the patient/user retains their security, participation andself-determination. But to achieve the goal of creating close care on equal terms for the entirepopulation, the healthcare professionals understanding, ability and willingness to implementwelfare technology solutions isn’t enough, it requires above all a change in the absence of thesparsely populated perspective among those who decide.