The Anticipated Positive Psychosocial Impact of Present Web-Based E-Health Services and Future Mobile Health Applications: An Investigation among Older Swedes

Abstract

This study investigates the anticipated psychosocial impact of present web-based e-health services and future mobile health applications among older Swedes. Random sample's of Swedish citizens aged 55 years old and older were given a survey containing two different e-health scenarios which respondents rated according to their anticipated psychosocial impact by means of the PIADS instrument. Results consistently demonstrated the positive anticipation of psychosocial impacts for both scenarios. The future mobile health applications scored more positively than the present web-based e-health services. An increase in age correlated positively to lower impact scores. These findings indicate that from a psychosocial perspective, web-based e-health services and mobile health applications are likely to positively impact quality of life. This knowledge can be helpful when tailoring and implementing e-health services that are directed to older people.

Ready for eHealth. Older Swedes’ Perceptions of eHealth Services: Using the PIADS Scale as a Predictor for Readiness

“…Adaptability received the highest PIADS sub-score for both animated illustrations-particularly for future eHealth services [21]. Such a result suggests that these tools are related more closely to the environment in the sense that future eHealth can serve as adapters to liberate users and enable them to pursue activities in daily life.…”

“…For both animated illustrations in the survey, a pattern of positive anticipation of the psychosocial impact of using eHealth services is clear [21]. Future eHealth services resulted in a higher anticipated psychosocial impact versus present e-health services.…”

“…Adaptability was the highest rated score on the PIADS scale in both illustrations [21]. This was interpreted as eHealth services are and will be enabling and liberating.…”

“…The present illustration depicted SMS reminders, face-to-face communication over the Internet, and a reporting of self-tests. In addition to the illustrated animated pictures an explanatory text was attached [21]:…”

“…In addition to the illustrated pictures, explanatory text was attached [21]: "In the future, you will be able to, if necessary:…”