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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Barriers and facilitators to the use of e-health by older adults: a scoping review

Authors: Jessica Wilson, Milena Heinsch, David Betts, Debbie Booth, Frances Kay-Lambkin

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Limited attention has been paid to how and why older adults choose to engage with technology-facilitated health care (e-health), and the factors that impact on this. This scoping review sought to address this gap.

Methods

Databases were searched for papers reporting on the use of e-health services by older adults, defined as being aged 60 years or older, with specific reference to barriers and facilitators to e-health use.

Result

14 papers were included and synthesised into five thematic categories and related subthemes. Results are discussed with reference to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2. The most prevalent barriers to e-health engagement were a lack of self-efficacy, knowledge, support, functionality, and information provision about the benefits of e-health for older adults. Key facilitators were active engagement of the target end users in the design and delivery of e-health programs, support for overcoming concerns privacy and enhancing self-efficacy in the use of technology, and integration of e-health programs across health services to accommodate the multi-morbidity with which older adults typically present.

Conclusion

E-health offers a potential solution to overcome the barriers faced by older adults to access timely, effective, and acceptable health care for physical and mental health. However, unless the barriers and facilitators identified in this review are addressed, this potential will not be realised.

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Title: Barriers and facilitators to the use of e-health by older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Jessica Wilson
Milena Heinsch
David Betts
Debbie Booth
Frances Kay-Lambkin
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11623-w

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Barriers and facilitators to the use of e-health by older adults: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Result

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Result

Conclusion

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