Abstract
BackgroundLimited 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.MethodsDatabases 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.Result14 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.ConclusionE-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.
Highlights
In recent years, rapid population ageing has become a worldwide phenomenon
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
The choice to conduct a scoping review rather than a systematic review was informed by Munn et al [31], who explains that systematic reviews focus on the synthesis of quantitative outcomes assessing the effectiveness of treatments and practice
Summary
Rapid population ageing has become a worldwide phenomenon. In 2018, older people outnumbered children for the first time in history. By 2050, they are expected to make up 22% of the global population [1]. Commensurate with this growth is the need to ensure proper planning and delivery of health services and supports to facilitate full and happy lives across the age spectrum. Limited attention has been paid to how and why older adults choose to engage with technologyfacilitated health care (e-health), and the factors that impact on this. This scoping review sought to address this gap
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