World Health Organization describes patient safety as “a framework of organized activities that creates cultures, processes, procedures, behaviors, technologies and environments in health care that consistently and sustainably: lower risks, reduce the occurrence of avoidable harm, make errors less likely and reduce the impact of harm when it does occur.” (World Health Organisation, 2020) The Nordic region has established a common strategy which includes improving quality of health and patient safety.
In context to safety and how technology can affect everyday life, patient safety is a relevant concept. Assistive technology, for example, can be described as “an umbrella term” for devices that increase the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed (Cowan & Turner-Smith, 1999).
The concept of welfare technology is extensive and involves a diversity of technologies. Previous literature stresses the importance of welfare technology in this context, as it can enable people to remain living at home, feel safe and provide greater independence in people's lives (Barland & Lovett, 2014 World Health Organisation, 2012). Furthermore, demographic changes and shortages of healthcare personnel are causing significant challenges for healthcare services in the western world. The World Population Prospects states that by the year 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and over will more than double from the 2015 numbers (United Nations, 2017).
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