Difficulty in Usability of Electronic Personal Health Record Systems for an Underserved Elderly Adult Population

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current paper is to investigate the use of electronic patient records (E-PHRs) among elder people and those with low income. Elder population due to low awareness, literacy rate, low income level and lack of training and experience felt difficulty while assessing E-PHRs. Background: Use of PHRs has been increasing in healthcare organizations. Patients’ involvement in managing health has been crucial. However, scars and spars literature is available about use of PHRs in elderly people. Material and Methods: The nature of the current study is quantitative and nature of data is cross-sectional. Survey approach was used. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 30 elderly people. Questionnaire consists of two sections. First is about demographic information such as gender, age, literacy and second section are about awareness, lack of experience, training and resistance to new technology. Frequency, percentage, and mean values are calculated in SPSS. The reliability of the questionnaire was checked by Cronbach alpha. Results: Findings indicated that highest mean value is scores by lack of experience followed by resistance to new technology. Moreover all the constructs met the threshold for reliability. Conclusion: It is concluded that hospital administration focus on training on elderly population. Motivate them to use new technology, make it user friendly and raise awareness about using E-PHRs and its benefits. Practical Implications: This study has practical implications for health practitioners, policy makers and ministry of health. Policy makers cannot ignore the importance of E-PHRs while making policy. Budget is required for training, raising awareness and motivating elderly population to use E-PHRs but it has long term benefits in future. Both health care professionals and patients can take benefits from use of E-PHRs.