Cross-Technology Factors Influencing Acceptance of Digital Technologies in Long-Term Care: First Findings of a Modified Delphi Study

Digital technologies are increasingly introduced in long-term care (LTC), yet sustainable usage depends on staff acceptance. Building on a previously conducted systematic review, this study aimed to validate cross-technology acceptance factors using a modified Delphi design. In round 1, 25 experts from LTC practice, management, teaching, consulting, and research rated 15 evidence-based statements on a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as median ≥4, interquartile range (IQR) ≤1, and ≥75% agreement. Eight items reached consensus, with the strongest support for supportive leadership, technological reliability, staff participation during implementation, leadership support, and perceived usefulness. Seven items did not reach consensus and were taken forward to round 2 along with 10 additional items derived from qualitative content analysis of open responses. The preliminary results indicate that technology acceptance in LTC is a socio-technical phenomenon shaped by organizational support, perceived usefulness, and reliable technological infrastructure across heterogeneous digital solutions.