Assistant nurses’ perceptions of welfare technology use for care outcomes and workforce well-being

Background

The use of welfare technologies to support individual’s safety, independence, and participation has increased in response to ageing populations and workforce shortages in health and social care. However, studies of their impact on care quality and workforce well-being remain scarce, particularly in eldercare. This study examines associations between different types of welfare technologies, care delivery outcomes, and assistant nurses’ well-being.

Methods

A survey study of randomly sampled assistant nurses (2024, N = 1,163 and 2025 N = 1,216). Assistant nurses are the largest occupation group in Swedish eldercare workforce. Independent variable was types of welfare technology. Outcomes included perceived care quality (continuity, participation, loneliness) and work-related well-being (work ability, job satisfaction). Associations were analyzed using logistic and linear regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for sociodemographic and employment factors.

Results

Technologies for documentation and planning were most common (76%; 83%), while those supporting communication (9.3%; 8.3%) and training or activities (9.9%; 11.3%) were least prevalent. Technologies supporting training or activities were associated with improved continuity of care (OR 1.75, p=.001), reduced loneliness (OR 1.48, p=.013), and increased participation (OR 1.81, p<.001). They were also linked to higher work ability (β = 0.29, p=.023) and job satisfaction (β = 0.287, p=.019). No significant associations were found for monitoring or documentation technologies and worker well-being.

Conclusions

Technologies enabling meaningful interaction between care workers and recipients are associated with better care outcomes and improved worker well-being, but remain least prevalent. Prioritizing the implementation of such technologies can strengthen workforce retention by improving workforce well-being and care delivery outcomes for ageing population.

Key messages

• Not all welfare technologies support care quality or worker well-being; those enabling meaningful interaction shows more favourable outcomes.

• Investment should shift toward technologies enabling shared activities and interaction, which remain less prevalent but can strengthen care outcomes and worker well-being.