Table 2 Overview of findings
From: Barriers and facilitators to the use of e-health by older adults: a scoping review
| Factor | Category | Barrier | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Intrinsic |
Ageing limitations: reduction of hearing, sight, memory, and fine motor control [34, 36,37,38,39]. Perceived self-efficacy [35, 38, 40, 41]. Lacking confidence in e-health [42]. Fear and dislike of technology [37]. No interest in learning [37, 42]. |
Desire to learn [34, 36,37,38, 41]. Motivation to make a lifestyle change [19, 43]. Altruism: wanting to contribute to scientific progress [19, 41, 43]. |
| Extrinsic |
Lack of experience/skills with e-health [35, 37] or technology [36, 38, 41]. Lack of knowledge of e-health [34, 35]. Previous negative experience [40]. Unmet expectations [37]. Lack of need to change [34, 36, 37, 39]. Fear that traditional services my perish [37]. Disbelief in efficacy of e-health [37, 39, 42]. Lack of external accountability [44, 45]. Inability to incorporate into routine [44]. Required effort [35, 38]. Cultural limitations such as language barriers and e-health detracting from time with family [38]. |
Belief that e-health services are of benefit [19, 34, 37, 40]. Convenience of e-health [45]. Ability to incorporate into current routine [40, 44, 46]. Previous experience and skills [19, 35, 36, 40]. Previous experience with e-health and required skills [19, 35, 36, 40]. Positive experience with technology generally [37]. Opportunity to learn new information [43]. | |
| Technological | Functional |
Small screen and text [44]. Small icons, lack of colour contrast [36]. Complex functionality [42]. Poor functionality [35, 37, 41]. | Ease of use such as audio feedback, and large and clear visual display [35, 36, 40, 41]. |
| Content |
Lack of alerts [41]. Alert fatigue: reminders/emails/texts [46]. Condescending and impersonalized communication, inability to respond to reminders [46]. Overwhelming and difficult to understand content [35, 38]. Too much content on one page [44] |
Personalized content [37, 44,45,46]. Use of reminders/alerts [41, 44, 46]. Use of images [46]. | |
| Availability |
Lack of access to electronic equipment [38] Cost of electronic equipment and internet service [34, 36]. | Free or low-cost electronic equipment [36]. | |
| Relational | Technological Support |
No training/support to learn [36, 38]. No one to help troubleshoot issues [41]. Reliance on family for guidance, and lack of family’s patience and understanding while learning [38]. |
Training/support to learn [36,37,38,39, 41]. Dedicated coach for training and continued support [41]. Peer-to-peer platform to share experiences [44]. Option for family/carer to provide support [34]. |
| Social Support |
Lack of social interaction [37, 45]. Absence of interpersonal communication [35]. Communication through technology considered an ‘inauthentic experience’ [35]. | Socially inclusive and community-based information [38]. | |
| Environmental | Location | Poor/unreliable internet [45]. | Availability to rural/remote populations [45]. |
| Organizational | Privacy | Health information concerns [35, 42, 46]. | |
| Trust |
Unknown accuracy of information [37, 38, 42]. Not knowing who people are communicating with [35]. Concern over management of emergency situations [37]. Concern over Western Medicine’s prioritization of medication [38]. |
Recommandation from physician [36, 43]. Content designed by experts in the field [45]. Access to specialists through platform [34]. Authenticity: platform with clear credentials [35]. | |
| Data sharing | Lack of communication between health platforms [37]. | Sharing of health information between health care providers [39, 44, 46]. |