JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Older Latinos living in Puerto Rico (PR) experience significantly higher rates of functional disabilities (FDs) (27.8%) compared to older adults in the continental US (13.3%). While assistive technologies (AT) can improve daily function and support aging in place, primary care physicians (PCPs), who are essential in addressing FDs resulting from chronic diseases, often lack knowledge about AT devices and services. The Mi Guía de Asistencia Tecnológica (MGAT; My Assistive Technology Guide) web application was empirically developed to address this gap by providing comprehensive information and videos about AT devices for older adults with functional difficulties in daily living activities.

Objective:

Assess the quality of MGAT among PCPs and describe their experiences using this tool to increase older Latino access to AT.

Methods:

Ten PCPs participated in this usability project, receiving MGAT training prior to a 30-day implementation period. Using a concurrent mixed-method design, data were collected using the user Mobile User Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and individual interviews. The analysis included descriptive statistics and a directed content analysis.

Results:

The MGAT received high overall uMARS objective quality ratings (mean 4.06 ± 1.05), with information scoring highest (mean 4.60 ± 0.51) and engagement lowest (mean 3.34 ± 1.51). The subjective quality was also high (mean 3.9 3.34 ± 1.19), with perceived impact receiving the highest score (mean 4.82; SD 0.39). PCPs reported positive experiences using MGAT for the education of AT devices and services and provided recommendations for improving the tool and integrating it into medical practice.

Conclusions:

The high-quality and usefulness ratings suggest MGAT could be an effective tool for PCPs in managing older adults' FDs. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of MGAT in preventing and managing functional disabilities among older adults. Clinical Trial: Does not apply.