JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Identifying effective means of communication between patients and their healthcare providers have a positive impact on patients’ satisfaction, adherence, and health-related outcomes.

Objective:

To identify the impact of patients’ age on their communication and technology preferences when managing their health. We hypothesize that a patient’s age affects their communication and technology preferences when interacting with clinicians and managing their health.

Methods:

A mixed-methods study was performed to identify cardiovascular patients’ preferences. Grounded theory was used to analyze qualitative data. Results were analyzed based on the patients’ age. Patients were recruited based on age, gender, ethnicity, and zip code.

Results:

104 patients were recruited: 34 young adults (19-39 years), 33 middle-aged (40-64), and 37 seniors (>65). Young adults (mean=8.29; SD=1.66) report higher computer self-efficacy than middle-aged participants (mean=5.56; SD=3.43; P<0.05) and seniors (mean=47.55; SD=31.23; P<0.05). Qualitative analysis identified three themes: Patient Engagement: Young-adults favor mobile technologies and text messaging, middle-aged prefer phone calls, and seniors prefer direct interactions with the caregiver. Patient Safety: Young-adults prefer electronic after visit summaries (AVS) and medication reconciliation over the Internet. Middle-aged patients preferred paper-based or e-mailed AVS and medication reconciliation in person. Seniors preferred paper-based summaries and in-person reconciliation. Technology: Young-adults preferred smartphones, middle-aged and seniors prefer tablets or PCs. Middle-aged patients are concerned about computer security than any other group. A unique finding among seniors is the desire for caregivers to have access to their personal health record (PHR).

Conclusions:

Patients of different ages have different communication and technology preferences, how they would like information presented to them, and how they wish to interact with their provider. The PHR is one approach to improving patient engagement, but non-technological options need to be sustained to support all patients.