scholarly journals Characteristics Associated With Facebook Use and Interest in Digital Disease Support Among Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data From the Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements in Atrial Fibrillation (SAGE-AF) Cohort

JMIR Cardio ◽  
10.2196/15320 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e15320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly E Waring ◽  
Mellanie T Hills ◽  
Darleen M Lessard ◽  
Jane S Saczynski ◽  
Brooke A Libby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Trade School ◽  
Facebook Use

Background Online support groups for atrial fibrillation (AF) and apps to detect and manage AF exist, but the scientific literature does not describe which patients are interested in digital disease support. Objective The objective of this study was to describe characteristics associated with Facebook use and interest in digital disease support among older patients with AF who used the internet. Methods We used baseline data from the Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements in Atrial Fibrillation (SAGE-AF), a prospective cohort of older adults (≥65 years) with AF at high stroke risk. Participants self-reported demographics, clinical characteristics, and Facebook and technology use. Online patients (internet use in the past 4 weeks) were asked whether they would be interested in participating in an online support AF community. Mobile users (owns smartphone and/or tablet) were asked about interest in communicating with their health care team about their AF-related health using a secure app. Logistic regression models identified crude and multivariable predictors of Facebook use and interest in digital disease support. Results Online patients (N=816) were aged 74.2 (SD 6.6) years, 47.8% (390/816) were female, and 91.1% (743/816) were non-Hispanic white. Roughly half (52.5%; 428/816) used Facebook. Facebook use was more common among women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.21, 95% CI 1.66-2.95) and patients with mild to severe depressive symptoms (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.08-2.10) and less common among patients aged ≥85 years (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15-0.48). Forty percent (40.4%; 330/816) reported interest in an online AF patient community. Interest in an online AF patient community was more common among online patients with some college/trade school or Bachelors/graduate school (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.10-2.61 and aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.13-2.92, respectively), obesity (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08-2.52), online health information seeking at most weekly or multiple times per week (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.32-2.56 and aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.86-4.16, respectively), and daily Facebook use (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.26-2.46). Among mobile users, 51.8% (324/626) reported interest in communicating with their health care team via a mobile app. Interest in app-mediated communication was less likely among women (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.68) and more common among online patients who had completed trade school/some college versus high school/General Educational Development (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.17-3.22), sought online health information at most weekly or multiple times per week (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.27-2.74 and aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.39-3.62, respectively), and had health-related apps (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 2.62-5.86). Conclusions Among older adults with AF who use the internet, technology use and demographics are associated with interest in digital disease support. Clinics and health care providers may wish to encourage patients to join an existing online support community for AF and explore opportunities for app-mediated patient-provider communication.

A Behavior-Modification, Clinical-Grade Mobile Application to Improve Breast Cancer Survivors' Accountability and Health Outcomes

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Stubbins ◽  
Tiancheng He ◽  
Xiaohui Yu ◽  
Mamta Puppala ◽  
Chika F. Ezeana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavior Modification ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
System Usability Scale

Purpose Only 34% of breast cancer survivors engage in the recommended level of physical activity because of a lack of accountability and motivation. Methodist Hospital Cancer Health Application (MOCHA) is a smartphone tool created specifically for self-reinforcement for patients with cancer through the daily accounting of activity and nutrition and direct interaction with clinical dietitians. We hypothesize that use of MOCHA will improve the accountability of breast cancer survivors and help them reach their personalized goals. Patients and Methods Women with stages I to III breast cancer who were at least 6 months post–active treatment with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 were enrolled in a 4-week feasibility trial. The primary objective was to demonstrate adherence during weeks 2 and 3 of the 4-week study period (14 days total). The secondary objective was to determine the usability of MOCHA according to the system usability scale. The exploratory objective was to determine weight loss and dietitian-participant interaction. Results We enrolled 33 breast cancer survivors who had an average BMI of 31.6 kg/m2. Twenty-five survivors completed the study, and the average number of daily uses was approximately 3.5 (range, 0 to 12) times/day; participants lost an average of 2 lbs (+4 lbs to −10.6 lbs). The average score of usability (the second objective) was 77.4, which was greater than the acceptable level. More than 90% of patients found MOCHA easy to navigate, and 84% were motivated to use MOCHA daily. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of technology use to improve goal adherence for patients by providing real-time feedback and accountability with the health care team. MOCHA focuses on the engagement of the health care team and is integrated into clinical workflow. Future directions will use MOCHA in a long-term behavior modification study.

scholarly journals Comparison of Mobile Health Technology Use for Self-Tracking Between Older Adults and the General Adult Population in Canada: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/24718 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e24718
Author(s):  
Mirou Jaana ◽  
Guy Paré
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Adult Population

Background The burden of population aging and chronic conditions has been reported worldwide. Older adults, especially those with high needs, experience social isolation and have high rates of emergency visits and limited satisfaction with the care they receive. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies present opportunities to address these challenges. To date, limited information is available on Canadian older adults’ attitudes toward and use of mHealth technologies for self-tracking purposes—an area that is increasingly important and relevant during the COVID-19 era. Objective This study presents contributions to an underresearched area on older adults and mHealth technology use. The aim of this study was to compare older adults’ use of mHealth technologies to that of the general adult population in Canada and to investigate the factors that affect their use. Methods A cross-sectional survey on mHealth and digital self-tracking was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was administered to a national sample of 4109 Canadian residents who spoke either English or French. The survey instrument consisted of 3 sections assessing the following items: (1) demographic characteristics, health status, and comorbidities; (2) familiarity with and use of mHealth technologies (ie, mobile apps, consumer smart devices/wearables such as vital signs monitors, bathroom scales, fitness trackers, intelligent clothing); and (3) factors influencing the continued use of mHealth technologies. Results Significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population in the use of smart technologies and internet (P<.001). Approximately 47.4% (323/682) of the older adults in the community reported using smartphones and 49.8% (340/682) indicated using digital tablets. Only 19.6% (91/463) of the older adults using smartphones/digital tablets reported downloading mobile apps, and 12.3% (47/383) of the older adults who heard of smart devices/wearables indicated using them. The majority of the mobile apps downloaded by older adults was health-related; interestingly, their use was sustained over a longer period of time (P=.007) by the older adults compared to that by the general population. Approximately 62.7% (428/682) of the older adults reported tracking their health measures, but the majority did so manually. Older adults with one or more chronic conditions were mostly nontrackers (odds ratio 0.439 and 0.431 for traditional trackers and digital trackers, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population with regard to satisfaction with mHealth technologies and their intention to continue using them. Conclusions Leveraging mHealth technologies in partnership with health care providers and sharing of health/well-being data with health care professionals and family members remain very limited. A culture shift in the provision of care to older adults is deemed necessary to keep up with the development of mHealth technologies and the changing demographics and expectations of patients and their caregivers.

Pharmacist or Physician: Age Differences in Satisfaction with Medical Advice

2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odette N. Gould ◽  
Louise Wasylkiw ◽  
Erin E. Rogers ◽  
Miranda MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

ABSTRACTTwo studies examined predictors of medical care satisfaction in communities in Eastern Canada. Both studies focused on how the roles of pharmacists and physicians are perceived by adults of different ages. Using a survey methodology, Study 1 demonstrated that middle-aged adults, older adults, and community pharmacists differ in the extent to which they rate pharmacists as being important members of the health care team. Specifically, community members value pharmacists as health care providers, and this is especially true for older adults. Using an experimental paradigm, Study 2 examined ratings of medical interaction scenarios, ratings that varied as a function of kind of health professional (pharmacist vs. physician) and type of advice (directive vs. non-directive). Results suggest that older adults may have a more complex set of expectations about their health care interactions than do younger adults and that, for older adults, the factors that determine satisfaction differ across the professions being evaluated.

scholarly journals Comparison of Mobile Health Technology Use for Self-Tracking Between Older Adults and the General Adult Population in Canada: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirou Jaana ◽  
Guy Paré
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Adult Population

BACKGROUND The burden of population aging and chronic conditions has been reported worldwide. Older adults, especially those with high needs, experience social isolation and have high rates of emergency visits and limited satisfaction with the care they receive. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies present opportunities to address these challenges. To date, limited information is available on Canadian older adults’ attitudes toward and use of mHealth technologies for self-tracking purposes—an area that is increasingly important and relevant during the COVID-19 era. OBJECTIVE This study presents contributions to an underresearched area on older adults and mHealth technology use. The aim of this study was to compare older adults’ use of mHealth technologies to that of the general adult population in Canada and to investigate the factors that affect their use. METHODS A cross-sectional survey on mHealth and digital self-tracking was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was administered to a national sample of 4109 Canadian residents who spoke either English or French. The survey instrument consisted of 3 sections assessing the following items: (1) demographic characteristics, health status, and comorbidities; (2) familiarity with and use of mHealth technologies (ie, mobile apps, consumer smart devices/wearables such as vital signs monitors, bathroom scales, fitness trackers, intelligent clothing); and (3) factors influencing the continued use of mHealth technologies. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population in the use of smart technologies and internet (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Approximately 47.4% (323/682) of the older adults in the community reported using smartphones and 49.8% (340/682) indicated using digital tablets. Only 19.6% (91/463) of the older adults using smartphones/digital tablets reported downloading mobile apps, and 12.3% (47/383) of the older adults who heard of smart devices/wearables indicated using them. The majority of the mobile apps downloaded by older adults was health-related; interestingly, their use was sustained over a longer period of time (<i>P</i>=.007) by the older adults compared to that by the general population. Approximately 62.7% (428/682) of the older adults reported tracking their health measures, but the majority did so manually. Older adults with one or more chronic conditions were mostly nontrackers (odds ratio 0.439 and 0.431 for traditional trackers and digital trackers, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population with regard to satisfaction with mHealth technologies and their intention to continue using them. CONCLUSIONS Leveraging mHealth technologies in partnership with health care providers and sharing of health/well-being data with health care professionals and family members remain very limited. A culture shift in the provision of care to older adults is deemed necessary to keep up with the development of mHealth technologies and the changing demographics and expectations of patients and their caregivers.

Technology Use by Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara J. Czaja ◽  
Chin Chin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Potential Benefits

The expanding power of computers and the growth of information technologies such as the Internet have made it possible for large numbers of people to have direct access to an increasingly wide array of information sources and services. Use of technology has become an integral component of work, education, communication, entertainment, and health care. Moreover, home appliances, security systems, and other communication devices are becoming more integrated with network resources providing faster and more powerful interactive services. Older adults represent an increasing large proportion of the population and will need to be active users of technology to function independently and receive the potential benefits of technology. Thus, it is critically important to understand how older adults respond to and adopt new information technologies. Technology offers many potential benefits for older people such as enhanced access to information and resources and health-care services, as well as opportunities for cognitive and social engagement. Unfortunately, because of a number of factors many older people confront challenges and barriers when attempting to access and use technology systems.

scholarly journals The Disparities in Accessing Online Health Information and Health Care Utilization Among Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 316-317
Author(s):  
Darren Liu ◽  
Taka Yamashita ◽  
Betty Burston ◽  
Jennifer Keene
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Digital divide or unequal access to internet and other technology result in health disparities among older adults. This study examined possible disparities in accessing online health-related technology, and the associations between the online health-related technology use and health care utilization among older adults in the U.S. The data comprised a sample of 1,497 older adults aged 51 and older which were obtained from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study (HRS)’s supplemental module (Health behaviors). We used the survey-weighted negative binomial regression and binary logistic regression for the analyses. The results showed that older age, racial/ethnic minorities (e.g., Black and Hispanic vs. Whites & Other), being married, lower educational attainment, lower-income, being uninsured and reporting poorer health were associated with lower utilization of online health-management tools. In Addition, the use of online health-management tools was associated with 34% greater mean number of doctor visits (Incidence-Rate-Ratio = 1.34, S.E. = 0.10, p &lt; 0.05) than non-use. However, the use of online health-management tools was not associated with hospitalization. Indeed, only health care needs - the self-rated health (Odds-Ratio = 0.58, S.E. = 0.18, p &lt; 0.05) and the number of chronic conditions were associated hospitalizations (Odds-Ratio = 1.68, S.E. = 0.07, p &lt; 0.05). More research is needed to clarify the purposes (e.g., prevention vs. treatment) and outcomes of health care service utilization within the context of health care technology use. Yet, it is important to proactively address digital divide as one of upstream strategies for reducing health and health care disparities.

scholarly journals Paid Caregiver Communication With Homebound Older Adults, Their Families, and the Health Care Team

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Reckrey ◽  
Emma T Geduldig ◽  
Lee A Lindquist ◽  
R Sean Morrison ◽  
Kathrin Boerner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Homebound Older Adults

scholarly journals The Use of Online Health-Management Tools and Health Care Utilization Among Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 1224-1232
Author(s):  
Darren Liu ◽  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Betty Burston ◽  
Jennifer R Keene
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Health Management ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background and Objectives The digital divide, or differences in access to technology, can have far-reaching consequences. This study identified disparities in access to online health-related technology. It then investigated associations between online health-related technology use and health care utilization among older adults in the United States. Research Design and Methods The study used a cross-sectional data set of 1,497 adults aged 51 and older from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study (HRS)’s supplemental module (Health Behaviors) and the RAND version of the HRS fat file. Results Older age, being a racial/ethnic minority, married, uninsured, and having lower educational attainment, lower income, and reporting poorer health were each associated with lower levels of use of online health-management tools. The use of online health-management tools was associated with a 34% greater mean number of doctor visits (incidence rate ratio = 1.34, SE = 0.10, p &lt; .05) than nonuse. However, such use was not associated with the number or type of hospitalizations. Indeed, only health care needs as measured by self-rated health status (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, SE = 0.18, p &lt; .05) and the number of chronic conditions were associated with hospitalizations (OR = 1.68, SE = 0.07, p &lt; .05). Discussion and Implications While more research is needed to clarify the purposes (e.g., prevention vs. treatment) and outcomes of health care service utilization as a function of technology use, it may be wise to proactively tackle the digital divide as one upstream strategy for improving various health and health care outcomes among older adults.

scholarly journals Cost Reduction Behaviors and Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence in Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 615-615
Author(s):  
Benita Bamgbade ◽  
David McManus ◽  
Becky Briesacher ◽  
Darleen Lessard ◽  
Jordy Mehawej ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Medication Nonadherence ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Additional Support

Abstract While factors such as forgetfulness may result in medication nonadherence, 2.7 million older adults in the US experience cost-related nonadherence (CRN). Limited research has explored CRN and associated cost-reduction behaviors (CRB) in older adults with atrial fibrillation. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the prevalence of CRN, CRB and spending less on basic needs to afford medication and 2) examine factors associated with CRB among older adults with atrial fibrillation. Data were drawn from the Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements in Atrial Fibrillation (SAGE-AF), a prospective cohort of older adults with atrial fibrillation (&gt;65 years). Using a self-administered survey, all participants completed a validated CRN measure. Chi-square and t-tests were used to evaluate differences in participant characteristics across CRB and significant characteristics (p&lt;0.05) were entered into a logistic regression model. Participants (N=1244) were on average 76 years and 49% were female. Among all participants, 4.2% reported CRN; 69.1% reported CRB; and 5.9% reported spending less on basic needs. Compared to participants who did not engage in CRB, participants who engaged in CRB were less likely to be cognitively impaired and more likely to be a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic white; have Medicare insurance; and have comorbidities. CRB were common among older adults with atrial fibrillation and was associated with in-tact cognitive function, the presence of medical comorbidities and non-White race. Clinicians might consider providing patients with cognitive impairment additional support such as patient assistance programs or referrals to pharmacists for medication therapy management to assist with CRB.

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