Exploring the Digital Divide as a Barrier to Use of a Personal Health Record in the Elderly

FRUTOS, ELIANA; DESCALZO, JUAN; COLUSSI, GIULIANA; RAPISARDA, ROMINA; PLAZZOTTA, FERNANDO; LUNA, DANIEL R

Stud Health Technol Inform

Ios Press

Año: 2022

1879-8365

The digital divide can hinder the ability of elderly patients to fully benefitfrom PHRs. They are ?digital immigrants?, not having the life-long exposure totechnology as younger generations, as well as physical and cognitive disabilities.The aim of this study was to explore the digital divide as a barrier for the use of aPHR in older adults (> 69 years of age) and describe the use of a PHR in an elderlypopulation in Argentina. We conducted a cross sectional study which included olderadults who attended the Coronavirus vaccination campaign in 2021. Data werecollected through a survey encompassing digital divide factors and use of the PHR.A total of 128 participants agreed to complete the survey, 60.15% reported using thePHR. We found a statistically significant correlation of education level, having apersonal computer and internet access with PHR use. Concerning PHR users,45.45% reported needing assistance to use it. Although the elderly populationrepresents a large portion of patients, there is not enough research done on their useexperience using eHealth solutions. There is pending work in the eHealth field tointegrate these elders into current PHRs and help them enjoy their benefits.