Café TEA: Technology Experimentation Area – Digital autonomy for elderly people in need of care

Background and Objectives

A lack of knowledge and skills in the use of digital technologies can prevent older people from accessing new healthcare services. To counteract this development, accessible services are needed that provide knowledge, encourage interaction and facilitate access to digital technologies. Participatory formats will therefore be developed in direct dialogue with the target groups. These formats aim to explain digital healthcare applications in a clear and practical manner, address the specific needs of participants and strengthen their long-term digital participation.

These approaches are being developed and implemented in cooperation with the Lippe Public Health Department, the health centres in Lügde and Oerlinghausen, and the associated cancer counselling service.

Café TEA

Café TEA offers accessible opportunities for members of the target groups to develop digital skills in a healthcare context. To establish suitable long-term measures, the different formats will be tested and further developed together with the people concerned. These include carers and other supporting family members, as well as people with health-related limitations. The focus is on the practical use of digital applications, such as digital nursing applications (DiPAs), digital health applications (DiGAs), electronic patient records (ePA) and online services for booking medical appointments.

Events and Participatory Formats

Café TEA offers a range of formats for developing digital health literacy. These include digital consultation sessions covering topics such as online medical consultations, electronic patient records and digital health applications. The programme is complemented by participatory formats, including discussion sessions and workshops, as well as thematic introductory talks.

Target Groups

The primary target group comprises people aged 60 and over. The aim is to strengthen their digital skills so that they can use digital health and care applications, such as DiGAs, DiPAs and online medical consultations, safely and independently in their everyday lives.

The programme is also aimed at people with chronic conditions, such as cancer or dementia, as well as carers and other supporting family members who wish to learn about and use digital services to support their everyday caregiving activities.