JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mental illness among older adults is associated with a marked impact on health outcomes, daily functioning, and quality of life. Given the burden of disease as well as barriers to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, there is an increasing interest in the development and implementation of health information technologies designed specifically to improve health and wellbeing among older adults. Whilst familiarity with technology and digital literacy are increasing among this group, they still tend to lack confidence in their ability to use Web-based technologies. Additionally, age-related changes in cognition, vision, hearing, and perception, may be barriers to adoption, and highlight the need for digital tools developed specifically to meet the unique needs of older adults.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to co-design and configure the InnoWell Platform, a digital tool designed to facilitate better outcomes for people seeking mental health services, to meet the needs of adults aged 50 years and older and their supportive others (e.g. family member, care-giver), as well as health professionals, service managers and administrators working with this population to ensure the accessibility, engagement and appropriateness of the technology. This study also sought to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to the adoption of health information technologies to support health and wellbeing by older adults to facilitate implementation and promote user uptake.

Methods:

Participants were adults aged 50 years or older and/or those who self-identified as a supportive other or staff member working with the older adult community. Participants were invited to participate in a 3-hour participatory design workshop utilising a variety of methods, including prompted discussion, creation of descriptive artifacts, and group-based development of user journeys.

Results:

Four participatory design workshops were conducted, including a total of 21 participants. Technology use was prevalent, with a preference indicated for smartphones and computers. Factors facilitating the adoption of health information technologies included: 1) personalisation of content and functionality to meet and be responsive to a consumer’s needs; 2) access to up to date information from reputable sources; and 3) integration with standard care practices to support the relationship with health professionals. Concerns regarding data privacy and security were the primary barrier to the use of technology to support mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusions:

Whilst health information technologies have the potential to improve access to cost-effective and low intensity interventions at scale to improve and maintain mental health and wellbeing, several strategies may improve uptake and efficacy of technologies by the older adult community including the use of co-design methodologies to ensure usability, acceptability and appropriateness of the technology, support in using and understanding the clinical applications of the technology via a digital navigator, and ready availability of education and training materials.