TY - JOUR
T1 - What would it take to improve the uptake and utilisation of mHealth applications among older Australians?
T2 - A qualitative study
AU - Schroeder, Tanja
AU - Seaman, Karla
AU - Nguyen, Amy
AU - Siette, Joyce
AU - Gewald, Heiko
AU - Georgiou, Andrew
PY - 2024/2
Y1 - 2024/2
N2 - Objective. Health-related apps on mobile devices (mHealth apps) have become an effective self-management tool and treatment support for patients. There is limited research, however, on how older people (50 and over) perceive the opportunity of using mHealth apps. Our aim was to investigate the perceptions of older people in Australia regarding the opportunity of using prescribed or doctor-recommended mHealth apps and provide insights which can enhance their uptake of mHealth. Methods. This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews involving 21 participants aged 51-82 years. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to categorise the factors that influence the adoption of mHealth apps by older adults. Results. We show that beyond the prominent influencing factors from technology adoption research (such as performance and effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions), health-specific factors such as a trusting doctor-patient relationship and strong health self-efficacy positively influence the intended adoption of mHealth apps among older adults. In addition, the IT security and accurate interpretation of participants' input in an mHealth app can present barriers to mHealth app adoption. Conclusion. Our analyses provide additional insights complementing existing technology adoption research. Their successful adoption and utilisation require further empirical evidence on its effectiveness along with attention to the voices of those who are meant to use them. To address potential barriers, improve the quality and security of mHealth apps, and thus achieve greater patient safety, the involvement of consumers, regulators and health professionals is necessary.
AB - Objective. Health-related apps on mobile devices (mHealth apps) have become an effective self-management tool and treatment support for patients. There is limited research, however, on how older people (50 and over) perceive the opportunity of using mHealth apps. Our aim was to investigate the perceptions of older people in Australia regarding the opportunity of using prescribed or doctor-recommended mHealth apps and provide insights which can enhance their uptake of mHealth. Methods. This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews involving 21 participants aged 51-82 years. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to categorise the factors that influence the adoption of mHealth apps by older adults. Results. We show that beyond the prominent influencing factors from technology adoption research (such as performance and effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions), health-specific factors such as a trusting doctor-patient relationship and strong health self-efficacy positively influence the intended adoption of mHealth apps among older adults. In addition, the IT security and accurate interpretation of participants' input in an mHealth app can present barriers to mHealth app adoption. Conclusion. Our analyses provide additional insights complementing existing technology adoption research. Their successful adoption and utilisation require further empirical evidence on its effectiveness along with attention to the voices of those who are meant to use them. To address potential barriers, improve the quality and security of mHealth apps, and thus achieve greater patient safety, the involvement of consumers, regulators and health professionals is necessary.
KW - aged care
KW - chronic disease management
KW - eHealth
KW - health behaviour
KW - mHealth applications
KW - patient-centred care
KW - technology adoption research
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85184148896&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1071/AH23119
DO - 10.1071/AH23119
M3 - Article
C2 - 38266308
AN - SCOPUS:85184148896
SN - 0156-5788
VL - 48
SP - 28
EP - 33
JO - Australian Health Review
JF - Australian Health Review
IS - 1
ER -