Developing a Mobile Health System for Elderly Care in Depok: An Action Research Study

Abstrak

The aging population presents unique health challenges that require innovative solutions. In Depok, Indonesia, monitoring elderly health is critical to improve their quality of life. Research Objective: This study aims to develop and evaluate a mobile-based health monitoring system for elderly care in Depok, enhancing data accuracy and efficiency. Method: An action research methodology was employed, divided into four phases: Action Plan, Act, Observe, and Reflect. The initial pilot was conducted at Puskesmas Pondok Ranji in South Tangerang, and the second cycle involved 9 community health workers (kader) from RW 13, the head of Sukamaju Baru Health Center, the person responsible for the elderly program, and the administrative head. Result: The system significantly improved the quality and accuracy of health data collection. Training sessions empowered kader, though older kader faced technological challenges. The integration of comprehensive geriatric assessments enabled early identification of health issues. The pilot validated the system's scalability and adaptability. Conclusions: The health monitoring system demonstrated promise in enhancing elderly care through improved data collection and early intervention. Future iterations should address technological difficulties faced by older kader. The system will be refined for broader adoption in Depok and potential scaling to other regions, offering a practical approach to addressing public health challenges through technology.