"Willing but unwilling": attitudinal barriers to adoption of home-based health information technology among older adults.
While much research focuses on adoption of electronic health-care records and other information technology among health-care providers, less research explores patient attitudes. This qualitative study examines barriers to adoption of home-based health information technology, particularly personal electronic health records, among older adults. We conducted in-depth interviews (30-90 min duration) with 35 American adults, aged 46-72 years, to determine their perceptions of and attitudes toward home-based health information technology. Analysis of interview data revealed that most barriers to adoption fell under four themes: technological discomfort, privacy or security concerns, lack of relative advantage, and perceived distance from the user representation. Based on our findings, systems to promote home-based health information technology should incorporate familiar computer applications, alleviate privacy and security concerns, and align with older adults' active and engaged self-image.
University of Iowa, USA.
Rachel
R
Young
Erin
E
Willis
Glen
G
Cameron
Mugur
M
Geana
D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003219:Confidentiality; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008875:Middle Aged
Consumer health information; data security and confidentiality; ehealth; electronic health records; older adults