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Welch V, Ghogomu ET, Barbeau VI, Dowling S, Doyle R, Beveridge E, Boulton E, Desai P, Huang J, Elmestekawy N, Hussain T, Wadhwani A, Boutin S, Haitas N, Kneale D, Salzwedel DM, Simard R, Hébert P, Mikton C. Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1369. [PMID: 38024780 PMCID: PMC10681039 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Social isolation and loneliness are more common in older adults and are associated with a serious impact on their well-being, mental health, physical health, and longevity. They are a public health concern highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, hence the need for digital technology tools to enable remotely delivered interventions to alleviate the impact of social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 restrictions. Objectives To map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings except hospital settings. Search Methods We searched the following databases from inception to May 16, 2021, with no language restrictions. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science via Clarivate, ProQuest (all databases), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) via ProQuest, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, and Epistemonikos. Selection Criteria Titles and abstracts and full text of potentially eligible articles were independently screened in duplicate following the eligibility criteria. Data Collection and Analysis We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi-Reviewer and data were individually extracted and coded based on an intervention-outcome framework which was also used to define the dimensions of the evidence and gap map. Main Results We included 200 articles (103 primary studies and 97 systematic reviews) that assessed the effects of digital interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults. Most of the systematic reviews (72%) were classified as critically low quality, only 2% as high quality and 25% were published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence is unevenly distributed with clusters predominantly in high-income countries and none in low-income countries. The most common interventions identified are digital interventions to enhance social interactions with family and friends and the community via videoconferencing and telephone calls. Digital interventions to enhance social support, particularly socially assistive robots, and virtual pets were also common. Most interventions focused on reducing loneliness and depression and improving quality of life of older adults. Major gaps were identified in community level outcomes and process indicators. No included studies or reviews assessed affordability or digital divide although the value of accessibility and barriers caused by digital divide were discussed in three primary studies and three reviews. Adverse effects were reported in only two studies and six reviews. No study or review included participants from the LGBTQIA2S+ community and only one study restricted participants to 80 years and older. Very few described how at-risk populations were recruited or conducted any equity analysis to assess differences in effects for populations experiencing inequities across PROGRESS-Plus categories. Authors' Conclusions The restrictions placed on people during the pandemic have shone a spotlight onto social isolation and loneliness, particularly for older adults. This evidence and gap map shows available evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing social isolation or loneliness in older adults. Although the evidence is relatively large and recent, it is unevenly distributed and there is need for more high-quality research. This map can guide researchers and funders to consider areas of major gaps as priorities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Welch
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Sierra Dowling
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Ella Beveridge
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Elisabeth Boulton
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social WorkUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Payaam Desai
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jimmy Huang
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Arpana Wadhwani
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Dylan Kneale
- Social Science Research Unit, EPPI‐Centre, UCL Institute of EducationUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Paul Hébert
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Paquet C, Whitehead J, Shah R, Adams AM, Dooley D, Spreng RN, Aunio AL, Dubé L. Social Prescription Interventions Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Meta-Review Integrating On-the-Ground Resources. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40213. [PMID: 37195738 PMCID: PMC10233446 DOI: 10.2196/40213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social prescription programs represent a viable solution to linking primary care patients to nonmedical community resources for improving patient well-being. However, their success depends on the integration of patient needs with local resources. This integration could be accelerated by digital tools that use expressive ontology to organize knowledge resources, thus enabling the seamless navigation of diverse community interventions and services tailored to the needs of individual users. This infrastructure bears particular relevance for older adults, who experience a range of social needs that impact their health, including social isolation and loneliness. An essential first step in enabling knowledge mobilization and the successful implementation of social prescription initiatives to meet the social needs of older adults is to incorporate the evidence-based academic literature on what works, with on-the-ground solutions in the community. OBJECTIVE This study aims to integrate scientific evidence with on-the-ground knowledge to build a comprehensive list of intervention terms and keywords related to reducing social isolation and loneliness in older adults. METHODS A meta-review was conducted using a search strategy combining terms related to older adult population, social isolation and loneliness, and study types relevant to reviews using 5 databases. Review extraction included intervention characteristics, outcomes (social [eg, loneliness, social isolation, and social support] or mental health [eg, psychological well-being, depression, and anxiety]), and effectiveness (reported as consistent, mixed, or not supported). Terms related to identified intervention types were extracted from the reviewed literature as well as descriptions of corresponding community services in Montréal, Canada, available from web-based regional, municipal, and community data sources. RESULTS The meta-review identified 11 intervention types addressing social isolation and loneliness in older adults by either increasing social interactions, providing instrumental support, promoting mental and physical well-being, or providing home and community care. Group-based social activities, support groups with educational elements, recreational activities, and training or use of information and communication technologies were the most effective in improving outcomes. Examples of most intervention types were found in community data sources. Terms derived from the literature that were the most commonly congruent with those describing existing community services were related to telehealth, recreational activities, and psychological therapy. However, several discrepancies were observed between review-based terms and those addressing the available services. CONCLUSIONS A range of interventions found to be effective at addressing social isolation and loneliness or their impact on mental health were identified from the literature, and many of these interventions were represented in services available to older residents in Montréal, Canada. However, different terms were occasionally used to describe or categorize similar services across data sources. Establishing an efficient means of identifying and structuring such sources is important to facilitate referrals and help-seeking behaviors of older adults and for strategic planning of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Paquet
- Département de Marketing, Faculté des Sciences de l'Administration, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Jocelyne Whitehead
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rishabh Shah
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alayne Mary Adams
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Damion Dooley
- Centre for Infectious Disease Genomics and One Health, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Laurette Dubé
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Nichol L, Wallace SJ, Pitt R, Rodriguez AD, Hill AJ. Communication partner perspectives of aphasia self-management and the role of technology: an in-depth qualitative exploration. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:7199-7216. [PMID: 34747289 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1988153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE "Self-management" empowers individuals to take responsibility for their healthcare through skill-building, personal growth, and self-efficacy related to chronic health condition management. Self-management approaches may benefit people with aphasia (PwA); however, PwA are often excluded from stroke self-management research and there is no published research reporting on aphasia-specific self-management programs. Communication partners (CPs) are involved in the rehabilitation and day-to-day lives of PwA, thus giving them unique insights and knowledge of PwA needs. The present study aimed to investigate CP experiences and perspectives regarding aphasia self-management and to explore CP perceptions of the use of technology in aphasia self-management. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 CPs living in Australia. Interview data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed six core themes: (1) aphasia self-management is embedded into everyday life, (2) CPs provide comprehensive self-management support, (3) speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide tools and support to enable PwA to self-manage, (4) aphasia self-management can be enhanced by technological supports, (5) potential positive outcomes of aphasia self-management, and (6) factors influencing successful aphasia self-management. CONCLUSIONS Aphasia self-management programs should focus on individual needs, functional communication in daily life, and social interaction. PwA and CPs are central to these programs, assisted by SLPs. Technology should be explored to augment aphasia self-management.Implications for RehabilitationCommunication partners suggest that people with aphasia are already engaging in aspects of self-management and that more formal aphasia-specific self-management approaches may be beneficial.Dedicated aphasia self-management programs should be situated in daily life with a focus on functional communication, life participation, confidence, and independence.Communication partners, speech-language pathologists, and technology are key support sources for aphasia self-management.Further input should be sought from communication partners in the development of aphasia self-management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leana Nichol
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah J Wallace
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachelle Pitt
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Australia.,West Moreton Health, Ipswich, Australia
| | - Amy D Rodriguez
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Annie J Hill
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
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Kennedy F, Shearsmith L, Holmes M, Rogers Z, Carter R, Hofmann U, Velikova G. Electronic patient-reported monitoring of symptoms during follow-up of ovarian cancer patients: a feasibility study. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:726. [PMID: 35780095 PMCID: PMC9250717 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer patients require monitoring for relapse. Innovative follow-up methods are increasingly being explored. An electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) follow-up pathway was developed for women treated for ovarian cancer. This feasibility study explored patient acceptability and compliance. Methods A single-arm non-blinded prospective feasibility study was undertaken at two hospitals. Participants were women who had completed treatment for ovarian cancer whose clinician was happy for them to be monitored remotely. Automated 3-monthly reminders were sent to participants to complete an ePRO questionnaire and obtain blood tests. Participants were reviewed over the phone by their clinical nurse specialist instead of attending clinic-based follow-up. The primary outcome was compliance (expected ePRO completions/blood tests) across the 12-month study period. Secondary outcomes were recruitment, attrition, resource use, symptom severity/alerts and patient acceptability. Results Twenty-four women consented (50% consent rate), and 13 remained on study at 12 months. Seven women relapsed, 3 chose to withdraw, and 1 withdrew for other clinical reasons. ePRO compliance was high and consistent at 75-82%, although the two hospitals differed. Adherence to the clinical protocol was evident for blood tests and contacts with staff (fewer visits, more phonecalls compared to an earlier audit). End-of-study feedback indicated high patient satisfaction. Conclusions Remote ePRO follow-up for ovarian cancer is feasible and acceptable to patients who are able and willing to participate. However, the low recruitment rate (ineligible + declined) indicate it is not suitable/acceptable to all patients immediately post-treatment. Further large-scale research and implementation work is required, especially in a post-COVID era. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02847715 (first registered 19/05/2016). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09817-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Kennedy
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
| | - Leanne Shearsmith
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Marie Holmes
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Zoe Rogers
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Rob Carter
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Uschi Hofmann
- Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre St, Lindley, Huddersfield, HD3 3EA, UK
| | - Galina Velikova
- Section of Patient Centred Outcomes Research, Patient Reported Outcomes Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
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Xu RH, Zhou LM, Wong ELY, Wang D. Investigating Medical Student's Preferences for Internet-Based Healthcare Services: A Best-Worst Scaling Survey. Front Public Health 2021; 9:757310. [PMID: 34938703 PMCID: PMC8685198 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.757310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the importance of providing Internet-based healthcare services based on the preference of a sample of medical students in China. Methods: An online best-worst scaling (BWS) survey with Case 1 design was conducted. Balanced independent block design generated 12 choice task profiles for each participant to answer. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the respondents' characteristics; Multinomial and mixed logit regression methods were used to investigate the importance of Internet-based services based on respondents' preferences. Results: A total of 1,296 students completed the online survey and rated "Clinical Service," "Decision Aids," and "Public health" as the three most important services that should be provided through an Internet-based healthcare system. Providing "Medical Education" via the Internet was chosen as the least important service by the respondents. Subgroup analysis indicated that students studying clinical medicine and non-clinical medicine considered providing "Medical Education" and "Public Health," respectively, as more important services than others. Conclusions: This BWS study demonstrated that providing "Clinical Service," "Decision Aids," and "Public Health" through the Internet are the three most important services based on medical students' preferences in China. Further research is needed to investigate how to improve medical students' skills in using internet-based healthcare services in medical education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling-ming Zhou
- School of Health Management Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Eliza Lai-yi Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Health Management Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Health Management Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Bevilacqua R, Casaccia S, Cortellessa G, Astell A, Lattanzio F, Corsonello A, D’Ascoli P, Paolini S, Di Rosa M, Rossi L, Maranesi E. Coaching Through Technology: A Systematic Review into Efficacy and Effectiveness for the Ageing Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165930. [PMID: 32824169 PMCID: PMC7459778 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite the evidence on the positive role of self-management, the adoption of health coaching strategies for older people is still limited. To address these gaps, recent efforts have been made in the ICT sector in order to develop systems for delivering coaching and overcoming barriers relating to scarcity of resources. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy of personal health coaching systems for older adults using digital virtual agents. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in December 2019 analyzing manuscripts from four databases over the last 10 years. Nine papers were included. Results: Despite the low number of studies, there was evidence that technology-integrated interventions can deliver benefits for health over usual care. However, the review raises important questions about how to maintain benefits and permanence of behavior change produced by short-term interventions. Conclusion: These systems offer a potential tool to reduce costs, minimize therapist burden and training, and expand the range of clients who can benefit from them. It is desirable that in the future the number of studies will grow, considering other aspects such as the role of the virtual coaches’ characteristics, social-presence, empathy, usability, and health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bevilacqua
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (R.B.); (F.L.); (P.D.); (L.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Sara Casaccia
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
| | | | - Arlene Astell
- Occupaitonal Sciences & Occupational Therapy, Univeristy of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 2A2 ON, Canada;
| | - Fabrizia Lattanzio
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (R.B.); (F.L.); (P.D.); (L.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Andrea Corsonello
- Unit of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology and Biostatistics, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Paola D’Ascoli
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (R.B.); (F.L.); (P.D.); (L.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Susy Paolini
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Mirko Di Rosa
- Unit of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology and Biostatistics, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0718004604
| | - Lorena Rossi
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (R.B.); (F.L.); (P.D.); (L.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Elvira Maranesi
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (R.B.); (F.L.); (P.D.); (L.R.); (E.M.)
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Portz JD, Fruhauf C, Bull S, Boxer RS, Bekelman DB, Casillas A, Gleason K, Bayliss EA. "Call a Teenager… That's What I Do!" - Grandchildren Help Older Adults Use New Technologies: Qualitative Study. JMIR Aging 2019; 2:e13713. [PMID: 31518274 PMCID: PMC6715044 DOI: 10.2196/13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although family technical support seems intuitive, there is very little research exploring this topic. Objective The objective of this study was to conduct a subanalysis of data collected from a large-scale qualitative project regarding older adults’ experiences in using health information technology. Specifically, the subanalysis explored older adults’ experiences with technology support from family members to inform strategies for promoting older adults’ engagement with new health technologies. Although the primary analysis of the original study was theoretically driven, this paper reports results from an inductive, open-coding analysis. Methods This is a subanalysis of a major code identified unexpectedly from a qualitative study investigating older adults’ use experience of a widespread health technology, the patient portal. A total of 24 older patients (≥65 years) with multiple chronic conditions (Charlson Comorbidity Index >2) participated in focus groups conducted at the patients’ primary clinic. While conducting the primary theoretically driven analysis, coders utilized an open-coding approach to ensure important ideas not reflected in the theoretical code book were captured. Open coding resulted in 1 code: family support. This subanalysis further categorized family support by who provided tech support, how tech support was offered, and the opinions of older participants about receiving family tech support. Results The participants were not specifically asked about family support, yet themes around family assistance and encouragement for technology emerged from every focus group. Participants repeatedly mentioned that they called their grandchildren and adult children if they needed help with technology. Participants also reported that family members experienced difficulty when teaching technology use. Family members struggled to explain simple technology tasks and were frustrated by the slow teaching process. Conclusions The results suggest that older adults ask their family members, particularly grandchildren, to support them in the use of new technologies. However, family may experience difficulties in providing this support. Older adults will be increasingly expected to use health technologies, and family members may help with tech support. Providers and health systems should consider potential family support and engagement strategies to foster adoption and use among older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dickman Portz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christine Fruhauf
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sheana Bull
- mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca S Boxer
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - David B Bekelman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Medicine, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Alejandra Casillas
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kathy Gleason
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Bayliss
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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Portz JD, LaMendola WF. Participation, Retention, and Utilization of a Web-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Intervention Among Older Adults. Telemed J E Health 2019; 25:126-131. [PMID: 29782228 PMCID: PMC6383571 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2017.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Web-based self-management (web-based SM) interventions provide a potential resource for older adults to engage in their own chronic disease management. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of age on participation, retention, and utilization of a web-based SM intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study reports the results of a secondary data analysis of the effects of age in a randomized trial of a web-based diabetes SM intervention. Participation, reasons for nonenrollment, retention, reasons for disenrollment, and website utilization were examined by age using discriminant function, survival analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance as appropriate. RESULTS Website utilization by all participants dropped after 6 months but did not vary significantly with age. Though older adults (>60 of age) were less likely to choose to participate (F = 57.20, p < 0.001), a slight majority of participants in the experiment (53%) were over 66 years of age. Enrolled older adults utilized website management tools at a rate equivalent to younger participants. At termination, they often reported the experiment as burdensome, but tended to stay in the study longer than younger participants. CONCLUSIONS Web-based SM offers a feasible approach for older adults with chronic disease to engage in their health management, but it needs to be improved. Those older adults who passed the rigorous screens for this experiment and chose to participate may have been more likely than younger participants to utilize web-based SM intervention tools. They were more persistent in their use of the web-based SM to try to improve health outcomes and formed definitive opinions about its utility before termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dickman Portz
- School of Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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