A qualitative study of older adults and computer use for health education: ‘It opens people's eyes’

Abstract

Adults over the age of 60 struggle with achieving target blood pressure readings due to difficulties seeing, hearing and understanding medical information which can result in poor adherence and drug interactions that can be fatal. According to the Institute of Medicine (2000) approximately 10% of adverse drug events may be attributed to communication failure between the provider and patient. Informing patients of potential drug interactions with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements and alcohol use can contribute to better blood pressure control. The Next Generation Personal Education Program (PEP-NG) was designed to improve patient care by educating both older adults and their providers about the dangers of adverse drug interactions arising from self-medication. This web based program analyzes information entered by the patient user (with a stylus on a tablet computer) and delivers tailored interactive educational content applicable to the user’s reported medication behaviors. This qualitative study demonstrated that even amongst participants that may not feel computer literate (older-age generation) it can be a useful tool for information dissemination and also a successful way to improve communication between provider and patient.

Design and evaluation of theory-informed technology to augment a wellness motivation intervention

“…Although many older adults do not currently use mobile computer technology [53], participants in this evaluation were interested in technology and open to learning new ways of promoting physical activity. This is consistent with literature suggesting older adults effectively use health-related computer programs and Internet sites whose content is personally meaningful [9,31]. Participants also noted that the app motivated them to be active, which is consistent with research suggesting that health promotion apps increase physical activity while decreasing sedentary time [11,54].…”

“…Researchers have found that older adults are not averse to using technology. Rather, they are capable and are interested in using several technology options, particularly programs and apps relevant to their personal goals and health, such as monitoring devices [8,9].…”

Mobile Computer Application for Promoting Physical Activity

“…Researchers have identified that despite having lower rates of smartphone and computer use compared with younger populations, many older adults are interested in technologies that provide information that is personally meaningful (Alicea-Planas, Neafsey, & Anderson, 2011) and that helps them remain healthy and independent (Heinz et al, 2013). Apps implemented to promote physical activity among older adults need to be interesting, personally relevant, and usable by individuals who do not have experience with smartphones, the iPod touch, or apps; who may have changes in dexterity and vision; and who may not participate in recommended physical activities on a regular basis.…”

Using an e-health intervention to enhance patient visits for hypertension: The nurse practitioner perspective

“…Qualitative interviews with 12 intervention older adult participants also demonstrated high satisfaction with the PEP-NG. 33 In fact, nearly all older adults interviewed expressed a desire to be recruited for similar future programs. Interestingly, a recurring theme from the patient data was the importance of the NP in their learning process.…”