User-Centered Design for Digital Health Tools in Rural Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lewis-Thames Marquita, Trimble Shawn, Rosen Francesca Cejtin, Seigel Zachary, Toll Kara, Horne Kensley
Primary Institution: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the best practices for engaging rural older adults in the development of digital health tools?
Conclusion
Rural older adults are willing to engage with digital technology, but face usability barriers that need to be addressed.
Supporting Evidence
- Rural older adults readily engage with digital technology.
- Digital health technologies help relieve access to care and transportation barriers.
- Common usability barriers include reduced internet access and challenges with using equipment.
- In-person or telephone tutorials can help overcome usability barriers.
Takeaway
Older people living in the countryside can use digital health tools, but they sometimes have trouble with the technology. We need to help them learn how to use it better.
Methodology
A mixed methods user-centered design approach including interviews, literature review, usability testing, and eye-tracking analysis.
Limitations
Limited tools available to assist rural older adults with technology barriers.
Participant Demographics
Rural older adults, their caregivers, providers, and healthcare administrators.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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