Older Adult Perceptions of Technology in Medicine

Purpose: Technologies' growing involvement in health care has led to continuous improvement in efficiency and quality of care, but specific challenges lie with addressing the barriers that impair the geriatric population from benefitting the use of new technology. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to obtain feedback from older adults and their caregivers regarding a new electronic check in process in a geriatric primary care clinic. Methods: A cross sectional survey was administered to 70 older adults aged 65 and older between May - October 2021. Outcomes of interest included Internet access, device access, as well as user confidence with technology, and ability to effectively utilize new technologies. Results: Findings indicated 40% of the primary population were unable to complete the electronic check-in themselves; defaulting to assistance from their caregivers; who reported ease in completing the check in process. An average of 68% of participants reported an interest in learning more about technology from their health care provider. Our results indicate that although the geriatric population faced some hardship in navigating the online check in system, they are willing to adopt and learn about new technology. Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for how physicians can meet patient expectations and provide a future avenue of patient education to improve quality care to the geriatric population.