Validating the personal health records adoption model using a modified e-Delphi

To report the results of a preliminary test of validity of a proposed theoretical framework of electronic personal health record adoption by older adults.

Personal health records can assist older adults in managing or co-managing their chronic health conditions. Although there is interest by this population, their adoption of this technology has been slow. Without a comprehensive understanding of the reasons for this phenomenon, facilitating adoption will be difficult. Therefore, we developed a theoretical framework of adoption barriers and facilitators.

Survey.

A modified e-Delphi methodology was used to validate the framework by obtaining consensus from a panel of experts in related healthcare fields. These data were collected over 3 months in 2010. Of 16 expert panellists, 13 completed Round 1, 12 completed Rounds 2 and 3, and 9 completed Round 4. Central tendencies and percent agreement were computed to establish consensus.

The e-Delphi resulted in expert consensus on the concepts, variables, and empirical indicators that were retained in (or added to) the framework to describe barriers and/or facilitators to older adults' adoption of personal health records for self-management of chronic disease.

The validated model will be used as the basis for developing an instrument to identify barriers and facilitators to personal health records adoption and use by older adults with chronic disease. With better understanding of the factors that influence personal health record adoption in this population, more effective strategies may be developed to increase adoption and thus improve chronic disease management.