title: Interest in a digital health tool in veterans with epilepsy: results of a phone survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Online tools for managing chronic health conditions are becoming increasingly popular. Perceived benefits include ease of use, low costs, and availability but are contingent on patient engagement, Internet access, and digital literacy. This article describes data collected during the recruitment phase of a study evaluating an online self-management platform for epilepsy in a U.S. Veteran population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used administrative data to identify and contact Veterans with a likely diagnosis of epilepsy in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Veterans who did not respond directly to a mailed invitation were recruited by phone to determine study interest and evaluate digital access.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 2,143 Veterans mailed study invitations, phone calls were made to 1,789 who did not specifically decline participation. Among those reached by phone (n = 1,053): 295 (28%) expressed interest in the study and an online tool, 333 (19%) reported a lack of computer and/or Internet access and 425 (40%) were not interested for other reasons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests an interest in online tools for managing health despite the fact that some Veterans lack computer and/or Internet access. As investment in digital health solutions grows, the VHA should prioritize the widespread provision of digital access to more Veterans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hixson
authors.affiliation: San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121.
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Van Bebber
authors.affiliation: San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121.
authors.forename: Kate M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Bertko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020811:Biomedical Technology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*