U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y. Framework for Older Adults.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Limited nursing theory exists regarding technology usability for older adults.
• Existing models like Roy Adaptation Model, Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Theory of Planned Behavior offer relevant constructs.
• Older adults require accessible and usable health technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for determining health website usability for older adults.
• To integrate nursing theory with technology acceptance models to create a novel framework.
• To develop and validate a survey instrument to measure the determinants of usability.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Use of Technology for Adaptation by Older Adults and/or Those With Limited Literacy (U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y.) Model by integrating existing theories.
• Identified four key determinants of usability: efficiency, learnability, perceived user experience, and perceived control.
• Created the U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y. Survey and had it evaluated for face and content validity by experts.

Main Results:

• The U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y. Model integrates diverse theoretical perspectives.
• The U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y. Survey demonstrated excellent internal consistency (0.96).
• Expert evaluation confirmed the face and content validity of the survey instrument.

Conclusions:

• Usability is a critical factor in technology acceptance among older adults.
• The U.S.A.B.I.L.I.T.Y. framework provides a structured approach for evaluating health technology.
• Nurses can utilize this framework for formative evaluation of technology aimed at older adults.