Technology Acceptance and Quality of Life of the Elderly in a Telecare Program

Abstract

As information and communication technology applied to telecare has become a trend in elder care services, evaluation of the program is vital for further program design and development. This study evaluated the variables influencing the use of a telecare service program by the elderly. A questionnaire survey was used to explore the relationship between quality of life and technology acceptance of a telecare program in Taiwan. In addition, open-ended questions were used to elicit qualitative information regarding the experience of technology use. The results revealed that elderly persons with better social welfare status and health condition, who used the device frequently, had higher quality of life and accepted technology use. The correlation results also indicated that elderly persons who perceived telecare as useful in solving health problems, had the intention to use the program, and were willing to continue use, also had a better perception toward quality of life regarding their interpersonal relationships and living environment. Nonetheless, cost may be an issue that will impede their willingness to use the technology in care service.

Telehealth Experiential Learning: A Pilot Study of The Client’s Experience

“…Participant 6 DISCUSSION Clients in this study reported both benefits and barriers to telehealth, with overall benefits outweighing barriers. This replicates previous research findings of an overall positive client experience in which reported benefits outweighed barriers (Chou et al, 2013;Eikelboom & Atlas, 2005;Levy et al, 2015;Polinski et al, 2015;Waibel et al, 2017;Young et al, 2011). However, even when clients report an overall benefit from telehealth service delivery, their opinions and preference for telehealth may not be entirely positive (Sorenson, 2008).…”

“…Clients can receive services in their natural environments. Clients have also reported increased health knowledge, improved self-management of health conditions, a greater sense of security, less waiting time for appointments, decreased cost, decreased travel, better access to services, a strong relationship with the provider, personalized interventions, easy to use equipment, a feeling of ongoing support, convenience, and greater access to services (Chou, Chang, Lee, Chou, & Mills, 2013;Eikelboom & Atlas, 2005;Kairy, Tousignant, Leclerc, Côté, & Levasseur, 2013;Levy, Silverman, Jia, Geiss, & Omura, 2015;Polinski et al, 2015;Young, Foster, Silander, & Wakefield, 2011). Client reported barriers to telehealth delivered services have included a preference for in-person services, a concern about confidentiality, and frustration with functionality of equipment (Eikelboom & Atlas, 2005;Young et al, 2011).…”

“…Past survey research indicated clients are satisfied with telehealth experiences (Chou et al, 2013;Eikelboom & Atlas, 2005;Levy et al, 2015;Polinski et al, 2015;Waibel, Cain, Hall, & Keen, 2017;Young et al, 2011). However, client preference for telehealth or inperson service delivery varies.…”

Telecare acceptance as sticky entrapment: A realist review

“…The literature critiques TAM and HTA for being insufficient in assessing telecare acceptance, as important aspects are not covered 5-7, 9, 10 . Perceived ease of use and usefulness of technology are demonstrated to be important for user acceptance and use of technology, but not sufficient for understanding telecare acceptance 35,[46][47][48] . To a certain extent perceived usefulness of technology does affect telecare acceptance 5,17,18 , however, it is not sufficient.…”

Use of telemedicine-based care for the aging and elderly: promises and pitfalls

“…The awareness of being under constant monitoring has a positive impact on their sense of security and quality of life. 51,61,62 Chou et al 61 found that elderly persons with better social welfare and health status who used their telecare program frequently had better quality of life and accepted use of technology. Their results also indicated that elderly individuals who perceived telecare as useful in solving health problems and were willing to use it had a better perception of their quality of life, especially with regard to their interpersonal relationships and living environment.…”