SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Factors Influencing Willingness to Try a Mobile Health App Among Older Adult Patients: A Mixed Methods Analysis

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This mixed-methods study examined what influences older adults’ willingness to use a mobile health (mHealth) app designed to promote physical activity during hospitalization. Conducted in July–August 2024 at a large academic medical center, the study included 69 hospitalized patients aged 65 and older from a general medical service, excluding those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Researchers used electronic medical record data, an in-person survey, and a simple digital literacy measure based on whether participants could set an alarm on their personal device.<br /><br />The main finding was that most older adults were open to trying the app. Those willing to use it tended to be younger, more educated, and more digitally capable. Compared with those unwilling to try the app, willing participants were more likely to have a high school education or higher, own a personal computer, feel comfortable using a smartphone, send or receive text messages, and access a patient portal. The strongest association was with digital skill: 63.2% of willing participants could demonstrate how to set an alarm, compared with only 12.9% of those unwilling to try the app.<br /><br />Age and smartphone ownership showed trends in the expected direction, but these differences were not statistically significant. Overall, the study suggests that while smartphone ownership is common among older hospitalized adults, willingness to adopt mHealth tools depends heavily on education and practical device skills.<br /><br />The authors conclude that mHealth apps for older adults should be designed to be simple, intuitive, and tailored to users’ needs and preferences. Improving usability and supporting digital literacy may increase adoption and make these interventions more effective in hospital settings.

Asset Subtitle

David Paje

Meta Tag

Author List David Paje, Shuo Tian, Stephanie Taylor, Trevor Denton

Category Research

Concept Older Adults

Concept Mobile Health App

Concept Willingness to Use

Concept Digital Literacy

Concept Mobile Device Proficiency

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Michigan

Presenting Author David Paje

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

older adults

mHealth app

hospitalized patients

physical activity

digital literacy

smartphone use

patient portal

education level

willingness to use

usability

Older Adults

Mobile Health App

Willingness to Use

Digital Literacy

Mobile Device Proficiency