Understanding older adults’ motivations to use digital health portals

Objective: To understand how older adults perceive digital health portals (DHPs), what motivates them to use them, and how their experience can be improved. Background: The number of people over age 60 will continue to increase over the following decades. Many older adults have chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Digital health technology, specifically DHPs, could be helpful in wellness management, healthcare provider communication, and health record management. Method: We interviewed 26 older adults aged 60–85 who logged into their DHP at least twice a year to learn more about their usage and motivations to adopt DHPs. We integrated the Self Determination Theory (SDT) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance of Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to assess factors that were intrinsic motivators and what facilitated the use of DHPs. We coded the transcribed data into these categories to evaluate the factors that were reportedly important to the older adults’ use of their health portal. Results: All the older adults shared that they were willing to communicate with their healthcare provider, and 25 of the 26 reported that their DHP supported their healthcare needs. The older adults were primarily influenced by family members or healthcare providers to support their wellness. Our integration of the SDT theory and UTAUT model provides insights into motivational factors that guide use of DHPs. Conclusion: Social support from friends and family supported general usage and provided additional guidance for DHP features. The findings of this study provide recommendations on how to redesign navigation within future health portals, how older adults are encouraged to use their DHP, and how they are provided support when using their DHP. Précis: How do we help older adults with health self-management? Digital health portals, including features such as electronic health records and clinician communication have potential but are underutilized. Understanding motivational influences can guide design and support for digital health portals.