A scoping review exploration of the intended and unintended consequences of eHealth on older people: A health equity impact assessment

Abstract

eHealth is one perceived mechanism to extend the range and reach of limited health-care resources for older adults. A decade-scoping review (2007-2017) was conducted to systematically search and synthesize evidence to understand the intended and unintended consequences of eHealth initiatives, informed by a health equity impact assessment framework. Scoping review sources included international academic and grey literature on eHealth initiatives (e.g., eHealth records, telemedicine/telecare, and mobile eHealth application) focused on the varying needs of older adults (aged 60+), particularly individuals experiencing sociocultural and economic difficulties. Findings suggest that eHealth has several potential benefits for older adults, but also the possibility of further

A Question of Access: Exploring the Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Intelligent Voice Assistants for Improving Access to Consumer Health Resources Among Low-Income Older Adults

“…Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education, and income can significantly affect an individual’s access to health information and resources (Estacio et al, 2019). The internet and digital technologies broaden the availability of health information and resources for many individuals (Estacio et al, 2019; Fang et al, 2018; McAuley, 2014) and improve health outcomes and patient engagement (Pluye et al, 2013; Suziedelyte, 2012). However, some public health researchers note concerns about digital health interventions’ impact on increasing existing health inequities (Estacio et al, 2019; McAuley, 2014).…”

“…While some suggest that commercial IVAs may not be suitable for health information search (Bickmore et al, 2018), there is emerging interest in IVAs and other intelligent assistants to support older adults with health (Buinhas et al, 2019;Reis et al, 2018;Sanders & Martin-Hammond, 2019) and health information (Martin-Hammond et al, 2019). However, these studies are few, particularly among older adults who already have less access to existing online consumer health resources (Choi & DiNitto, 2013;Fang et al, 2018;Waterworth & Honey, 2018).…”

“…Most IVAs provide functionality that allows users to search for information, including disease or medication information. IVAs, therefore, present an opportunity to support older adults with health information tasks by addressing some of the challenges they may face due to digital literacy (Fang et al, 2018). While some suggest that commercial IVAs may not be suitable for health information search (Bickmore et al, 2018), there is emerging interest in IVAs and other intelligent assistants to support older adults with health (Buinhas et al, 2019; Reis et al, 2018; Sanders & Martin-Hammond, 2019) and health information (Martin-Hammond et al, 2019).…”

“…While some suggest that commercial IVAs may not be suitable for health information search (Bickmore et al, 2018), there is emerging interest in IVAs and other intelligent assistants to support older adults with health (Buinhas et al, 2019; Reis et al, 2018; Sanders & Martin-Hammond, 2019) and health information (Martin-Hammond et al, 2019). However, these studies are few, particularly among older adults who already have less access to existing online consumer health resources (Choi & DiNitto, 2013; Fang et al, 2018; Waterworth & Honey, 2018). Therefore, significant gaps exist regarding whether the introduction of IVAs as a tool might improve or hinder access to healthcare among underserved groups of older adults and their perceptions of potentially using IVAs to support their health information processes.…”

Learning and Use of eHealth Among Older Adults Living at Home in Rural and Nonrural Settings: Systematic Review

“…Recent international literature reviews on eHealth and older adults focus on a variety of topics: eHealth access and use from a health equity perspective [ 28 ], the facilitators of and barriers to eHealth use [ 24 , 26 , 29 ], and user involvement in technology design, including eHealth technologies [ 30 , 31 ]. In addition, Cheng et al [ 32 ] published a systematic review of eHealth interventions targeted at socially disadvantaged groups, including older adults.…”