Smart tablet education for healthy living (STEHL) intervention improves digital skills: A usability and acceptability...

To evaluate the usability, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the Smart Tablet Education for Healthy Living (STEHL) program in enhancing digital skills among older adults residing in retirement homes.

Thirty older adults aged 65-85 years (mean = 81.3, SD = 6.9) participated in a two-week, nurse-led digital skills intervention (STEHL) and completed pre- and post-workshop, usability and acceptability surveys. Outcomes included self-reported digital skills (pre-post workshop surveys) and program usability and acceptability (post-only questionnaire). Likert-scale items (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) assessed confidence and program perceptions.

All 30 participants completed the digital skills survey and demonstrated significant improvements across all items (all p < .001). For example, confidence in turning on the tablet increased from 3.18 to 4.11, and searching the internet improved from 2.71 to 3.40. A subset of 26 participants also completed the usability acceptability questionnaire. Among these, 92.3 % found the program meaningful, 88.5 % reported improved knowledge of using a tablet, and 100 % reported increased ability to learn. Most indicated they would still participate (96.2 %) and found the handbook easy to use (92.3 %). Lower agreement was observed for emotional demand (52 %) and challenge (68 %).

The STEHL program was feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving digital skills among older adults. Findings highlight opportunities to refine content to reduce perceived challenges. The STEHL program was feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving digital skills among older adults. Findings highlight opportunities to refine content to reduce perceived challenges. While prior smart tablet use may have influenced outcomes, the small sample limited subgroup analyses, underscoring the need for larger controlled studies to confirm feasibility and effects.