SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Healthcare Related Technology Access, Usage, and Support

Pdf Summary

This poster examines healthcare-related technology access, use, and support needs among 106 hospitalized adult general medicine patients ages 50 and older, grouped into ages 50, 50–64, and 65+. Using a cross-sectional survey, the researchers assessed technology ownership, internet use, confidence with electronics, challenges using technology, support needs, and eHealth literacy (eHEALS).<br /><br />Overall, younger patients reported more frequent technology use and fewer difficulties. Although most older adults owned technology, many did not use it regularly in daily life. Across age groups, a large share of participants lacked confidence in using computers, smartphones, or other devices for online tasks. The oldest group was more likely to have low eHealth literacy.<br /><br />Low eHealth literacy was significantly associated with lower confidence in using technology, less confidence in learning new healthcare-related technology, and lower interest in learning to use it. In logistic regression, participants with higher confidence were much more likely to have better eHealth literacy, even after adjusting for age.<br /><br />The study concludes that while digital health tools and telemedicine have expanded, access alone is not enough; the ability to effectively use technology is a major part of the digital divide. For older hospitalized patients especially, healthcare teams should ensure adequate support when introducing technology into care. The authors also recommend continuing low-tech alternatives such as phone call reminders and written instructions for patients who prefer them or need them.

Asset Subtitle

Valerie G. Press

Meta Tag

Author List David O. Meltzer, Dima Kenj Halabi, Elizabeth Terman, Maria Alkureishi, May Nguyen, Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, Sachin Shah, Valerie G. Press, Vineet Arora, Wei Wei Lee

Category Research

Concept Healthcare Technology

Concept eHealth Literacy

Concept Hospitalized Adults

Concept Technology Confidence

Concept Age Group

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Presenting Author Valerie G. Press

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

healthcare technology

older adults

eHealth literacy

digital divide

technology access

hospitalized patients

telemedicine

technology confidence

cross-sectional survey

support needs

Healthcare Technology

eHealth Literacy

Hospitalized Adults

Technology Confidence

Age Group