In this study two currently relevant aspects of using medical assistive technologies were addressed-security and privacy. In a two-step empirical approach that used focus groups (n = 19) and a survey (n = 104), users' requirements for the use of medical technologies were collected and evaluated. Specifically, we focused on the perceived importance of data security and privacy issues. Outcomes showed that both security and privacy aspects play an important role in the successful adoption of medical assistive technologies in the home environment. In particular, analysis of data with respect to gender, health-status and age (young, middle-aged and old users) revealed that females and healthy adults require, and insist on, the highest security and privacy standards compared with males and the ailing elderly.

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In this research we examine the age-specific acceptance motives of medical assistive technologies assessing the general openness of using these technologies as well as estimating potential barriers, which may impede a successful rollout. 122 respondents (20 -80 years) participated in a survey, in which they were asked to evaluate the pros and cons of the usage of medical assistive technologies, acceptance motives and potential utilization barriers. In order to understand the complex nature of acceptance, personal variables (age, technology generation gender) as well as participants' learning history with technology (technical experience, sUbjective technical confidence and general attitudes towards the usage of technologies) were related to each other. Outcomes show that, overall, there is a quite positive motivation regarding the usage of medical technology, though, the perceived usage barriers are weighted more decisive for the acceptability of medical technology than the positively evaluated using motives. Overall, it was revealed that acceptance issues should be considered in order to proactively design a successful rollout of medical technologies.

The present study explores perceived relevance of security and privacy aspects in different user groups and assesses the predictive power of these attributes on acceptance of medical assistive technologies. Based on previously conducted focus groups a questionnaire was developed and quantitative data from N = 104 persons were analyzed. In a descriptive manner opinions of adults in all stages of life (age groups from young, middle-aged to older people) as well as gender-and health-related are presented and discussed with regard to those characteristics, and differences between the groups are disclosed. In multivariate regressions follows the analysis of most predictive security and privacy attributes for the acceptance (i.e. perceived usefulness) of E-health technologies. Results show that both security and privacy aspects play an important role for acceptance and usage of medical assistive technologies.

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Facing the growing aging population in many countries of the world, healthcare-related technologies become increasingly important, representing a possible solution to the soaring overstrained health care systems and dwindling number of caregivers. Though a user-centred and sensible integration of medical technology in home environments is highly challenging, especially when focusing on the group of old and frail users. Their specific needs and wants, their (dis)abilities and limitations have to be carefully considered, in order to reach full acceptance and a successful rollout of e-health applications in home environments. As the knowledge about acceptance in the medical sector is still limited, an elaborate research is needed in order to understand and respect aged persons’ specific demands. In an empirical approach, the role of age, technology generation, technical expertise, and gender are determining for the acceptance of medical technologies. As the acceptance of medical technologies might be also biased by social norms and the way aging and age-related consequences are evaluated within a society, individual ageing concepts as well as economic and educational levels were considered for the evaluation of the perceived benefits and drawbacks of medical technologies. Outcomes show the importance of understanding users’ needs and wants in order to develop user-centred medical technology concepts and to allow a successful rollout.