Exploring the Digital Divide as a Barrier to Use of a Personal Health Record in the Elderly

Abstract

The digital divide can hinder the ability of elderly patients to fully benefit from PHRs. They are “digital immigrants”, not having the life-long exposure to technology as younger generations, as well as physical and cognitive disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the digital divide as a barrier for the use of a PHR in older adults (> 69 years of age) and describe the use of a PHR in an elderly population in Argentina. We conducted a cross sectional study which included older adults who attended the Coronavirus vaccination campaign in 2021. Data were collected through a survey encompassing digital divide factors and use of the PHR. A total of 128 participants agreed to complete the survey, 60.15% reported using the PHR. We found a statistically significant correlation of education level, having a personal computer and internet access with PHR use. Concerning PHR users, 45.45% reported needing assistance to use it. Although the elderly population represents a large portion of patients, there is not enough research done on their use experience using eHealth solutions. There is pending work in the eHealth field to integrate these elders into current PHRs and help them enjoy their benefits.

Patients’ perspective on the use of mobile applications for the provision of supportive care in radiotherapy

“…Our findings indicate that although the ownership of smartphones decreased with age, the difference was not statistically significant. Consistent with previous studies, patients with higher education levels were significantly more likely to own smartphone technology and encountered less difficulty using a smartphone [13,18]. However, in contrast with the findings of El Shafie et al [11] in our study, the influence of education on smartphone ownership appears to outweigh that of age.…”

“…The successful and equitable integration of mHealth technologies within healthcare relies on the creation of tailored services that effectively address the unique requirements of the patient population [13]. Therefore, in this study, we have explored the feasibility of developing a mHealth app to address the supportive care needs of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in Malta.…”

“…The usability was rated using a score of 1 to 5, whereby 1 indicates 'no skills' and 5 indicates 'advanced skills'. Similarly, the need for assistance was rated using a score of 1 to 5, whereby effectively address the unique requirements of the patient population [13]. Therefore, in this study, we have explored the feasibility of developing a mHealth app to address the supportive care needs of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in Malta.…”

“…However, although mHealth technologies can empower patients to take charge of their health and facilitate the delivery of personalised care, they are not without their limitations [4,8,11,12]. It is important to note that some patients, particularly the elderly and those from a low socio-economic and educational background, may not have access to this technology and/or may lack the knowledge to use it [4,13]. Therefore, full reliance on this technology can create a digital divide that may exclude some populations from benefiting fully.…”

Older adults in the digital health era: insights on the digital health related knowledge, habits and attitudes of the 65 year and older population

“…This is especially so among less educated older people and those living in smaller settlements [11]. In terms of access, skills and engagement, research reports lower trends in this age group, but higher rates of "technostress" and of perceiving these technologies as "useless" [12][13][14][15]. Technostress is defined as the stress that people experience as a result of their use of information and communication systems and technologies [16].…”