Older Patients' Competence, Preferences, and Attitudes Toward Digital Technology Use: Explorative Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Informatics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Malnutrition is common in older adults, leading to poor health outcomes.
• An eHealth solution (Food'n'Go) was developed to aid hospitalized older patients with nutritional intake.
• Effective eHealth implementation requires user support tailored to competence and needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess older patients' readiness for health technology, including competence, preferences, and attitudes.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing older adults' engagement with health technology.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive and explorative study using semistructured interviews and questionnaires.
• The Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) instrument was utilized.
• Twenty-five hospitalized patients aged 65 and older in Denmark participated.

Main Results:

• 64% of older patients (median age 81) were already using information and communication technology (ICT).
• Positive experiences with ICT benefits facilitated usage, while health issues, low digital literacy, and self-efficacy barriers were identified.
• Low scores were observed in eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) scales for user knowledge, skills, and experience.

Conclusions:

• Older patients are capable of using ICT, but face various barriers to eHealth adoption.
• Emphasizing benefits and providing targeted support for knowledge, skills, and motivation are crucial for successful eHealth implementation in older adults.