Faculty Collaboration Database

Acceptance and use of health information technology by community-dwelling elders. Int J Med Inform 2014 Sep;83(9):624-35

Date

07/06/2014

Pubmed ID

24996581

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4144164

DOI

10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2014.06.005

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84904515026 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   317 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: With the worldwide population growing in age, information technology may help meet important needs to prepare and support patients and families for aging. We sought to explore the use and acceptance of information technology for health among the elderly by reviewing the existing literature.

METHODS: Review of literature using PubMed and Google Scholar, references from relevant papers, and consultation with experts.

RESULTS: Elderly people approach the Internet and health information technology differently than younger people, but have growing rates of adoption. Assistive technology, such as sensors or home monitors, may help 'aging in place', but these have not been thoroughly evaluated. Elders face many barriers in using technology for healthcare decision-making, including issues with familiarity, willingness to ask for help, trust of the technology, privacy, and design challenges.

CONCLUSIONS: Barriers must be addressed for these tools to be available to this growing population. Design, education, research, and policy all play roles in addressing these barriers to acceptance and use.

Author List

Fischer SH, David D, Crotty BH, Dierks M, Safran C

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Attitude to Computers
Community Health Services
Health Services for the Aged
Humans
Medical Informatics
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Technology Assessment, Biomedical