JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Care policy emphasizes deinstitutionalization and “aging in place” in response to the population’s demographic change. eHealth is one way to implement this aim. However, there is a need to better understand older people’s needs for eHealth services, and thus these health solutions require further exploration.

Objective:

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to appraise, synthesize, and summarize the literature on older adults’ (aged 60+) eHealth learning and use in real home settings, especially in rural and remote areas, focusing on the social and cultural context.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in January 2020 using four academic databases. The studies by means of qualitative thematic analysis to identify the barriers, enablers, and support practices involved in the domestication process were examined. In addition, meanings assigned to eHealth in rural and remote areas were identified.

Results:

In total, 32 empirical studies, published from 2010–2020 were included in the review. Eighteen articles included participants from rural and remote areas. The most reported barrier for older adults in learning to use and use eHealth was health-related difficulties. The most reported enabler was provided support for learning and use. Support was mainly older adults’ distributed digital competence with their social network. It was found that eHealth is needed for rural and remote areas to facilitate access and reduce logistical barriers to health care services.

Conclusions:

The literature review provides information and practical implications for designers, health care providers, and policy makers. Based on the findings, eHealth should be easy-to-use, and adequate support should be provided for older adults.