JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Malnutrition is prevalent in older persons and associated with severe consequences such as decline in functional status, increased risk of re-admission, and increased mortality. A tablet-based eHealth solution (Food’n’Go) has recently been developed and introduced in our clinic to support older patients’ involvement in the nutritional intervention during their hospitalization, thereby enhancing their awareness and motivation for choosing the right food and get a sufficient calorie and protein intake. To get full benefits from the eHealth solution, the technology should be introduced and accompanied by support, which targets the end-user’s competence level and needs.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to explore older patients’ readiness for technology i.e. competence, preferences and attitudes towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to gain an understanding of factors which may act as barriers or facilitators for their engagement with health technology.

Methods:

The study is designed as a descriptive and explorative study using triangulation of data derived from semi-structured interviews and questionnaires (The Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY)). Older hospitalized patients (age ≥ 65 years) (n=25) were included from two hospitals in Denmark.

Results:

The majority of the older patients (median age 81 years) were users of ICT (64 %). The qualitative findings revealed that their experiences of benefits related to use of ICT facilitated usage. Barriers for use of ICT were health-related challenges, limited digital literacy and low self-efficacy related to ICT use due to age-related prejudices by their relatives and themselves. The qualitative findings were also reflected in the low READHY median score on the scales within the dimensions which addresses the user’s knowledge and skills (eHLQ1:1.8; eHLQ3: 2.0), and the user experience (eHLQ6: 2.0; eHLQ7: 1.5).

Conclusions:

Older patients are potential users of ICT, but experience a variety of barriers for using eHealth. When introducing them to eHealth it is important to emphasize the possible benefits, and to offer support targeted their knowledge, skills and motivation. Clinical Trial: This study is an explorative study and the participants are not assigned to an intervention, thus the study is not registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.