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Exploring perceptions of using digital health platforms for self-managing musculoskeletal health conditions: A focus group study with older adults
ABSTRACT
Background:
Due to the rise in digital platforms used to support self-management of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as access to services, it’s important to consider the acceptability of such platforms for older adults. This study aimed to gather participants’ current experiences using technology for managing MSK conditions and to provide their thoughts on real case studies/examples.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore perceptions on the use of digital platforms for supporting the self-management of musculoskeletal conditions within older adult (aged 60 years and over) populations.
Methods:
Two focus groups (n=6; n=9) were conducted in which participants answered questions about using digital health platforms to prevent/manage musculoskeletal conditions. Participants were further presented with two example scenarios which were further discussed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Participants were aged 60 years or over, with or without current musculoskeletal conditions. No prior experience of using smartphone apps or other digital health platforms for musculoskeletal conditions was required. Focus groups took place online via Microsoft Teams.
Results:
Six themes were identified across both focus groups: Preference for human contact; Attitudes towards digital health platforms; Experience seeking/accessing professional guidance; Individual differences and digital health platforms; Trust and technology; Features and adaptations of apps. The context of each theme is discussed, based on the interview results.
Conclusions:
Findings revealed the majority of participants have some existing experience of digital health platforms for preventing or managing musculoskeletal conditions. The benefits of how digital platforms can support and assist with self-management of musculoskeletal conditions, without reducing or replace the role of the healthcare professional needs to be explicitly and clearly communicated to enhance trust in the technologies. In addition, we recommend raising public awareness around the role of organisations that verify and assess quality of digital health platforms to further enhance trust in the use of these technologies.
Citation
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Copyright
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