Human factors considerations in implementing telemedicine systems to accommodate older adults

Abstract

The number of older adults is increasing, and telemedicine has the potential to improve their access to health care. Telemedicine systems have been shown to benefit older adults by increasing peer support interactions, providing health-care access to older adults in rural communities, reducing the cost of health care, increasing exercise, reducing pain and depression, and, perhaps most important, improving functional independence. However, older adults may have different needs from other users when interacting with telemedicine systems, because of age-related changes in perceptual, motor and cognitive abilities. The design of telemedicine technologies should, therefore, capitalize on older adults' strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. The field of human factors has much to offer in optimizing interactions between older adults and telemedicine technologies. Future research should take advantage of human factors methodologies to best design telemedicine technologies for an older population.

Human factors in mental healthcare: A work system analysis of a community-based program for older adults with depression and dementia

“…HFE considerations for technology and environmental support for older adults, who are at risk for cognitive impairment (Morrow & Rogers, 2008; Stronge, Rogers, & Fisk, 2007). …”

Design and older people's real issues: Experiences of an engineer assessing technology in the user's home

“…vision and mobility) [9,10]. Furthermore, with potential cognitive impairment in older age such as MCI or dementia, the situation is potentially worse [11].…”

The design and evaluation of an activity monitoring user interface for people with stroke

“…To design the software, elements of the Goal Directed Design (GDD) technique [18] were used, which is a user-centered technique of a similar nature to those implemented in [19], [20] that emphasizes researching the user's capabilities and understanding the user's goals in using the product. Key age-related characteristics of the user are changes in visual and cognitive ability, as well as in motor control [3]. In interviews conducted with people who experienced a stroke, stroke-related impairments also contribute to user capabilities and limitations.…”

“…While methods for developing appropriate technologies based on user capabilities already exist, more empirical research on designing for older adults, who are often novice computer users, is crucial [2], [3]. In general, a user-centered design that derives its requirements through close analysis of capabilities, limitations, and concerns of older and/or disabled populations has been shown to be successful in the design of user interface software [4]- [7].…”