Journal of medical Internet research
-
J. Med. Internet Res. · Feb 2013
Impact of internet use on loneliness and contact with others among older adults: cross-sectional analysis.
Older adults are at increased risk of experiencing loneliness and depression, particularly as they move into different types of care communities. Information and communication technology (ICT) usage may help older adults to maintain contact with social ties. However, prior research is not consistent about whether ICT use increases or decreases isolation and loneliness among older adults. ⋯ Using the Internet may be beneficial for decreasing loneliness and increasing social contact among older adults in assisted and independent living communities.
-
J. Med. Internet Res. · Feb 2013
If we offer it, will they accept? Factors affecting patient use intentions of personal health records and secure messaging.
Personal health records (PHRs) are an important tool for empowering patients and stimulating health action. To date, the volitional adoption of publicly available PHRs by consumers has been low. This may be partly due to patient concerns about issues such as data security, accuracy of the clinical information stored in the PHR, and challenges with keeping the information updated. One potential solution to mitigate concerns about security, accuracy, and updating of information that may accelerate technology adoption is the provision of PHRs by employers where the PHR is pre-populated with patients' health data. Increasingly, employers and payers are offering this technology to employees as a mechanism for greater patient engagement in health and well-being. ⋯ The study demonstrated that individual and environmental factors influence intentions to use the PHR. Patients who were more satisfied with their provider had higher use intentions. For patients who perceived the health care process management support features of the tool to be of significant value, communication tactics served to increase their use intentions. Finally, patients who believed the tool to be empowering demonstrated higher intentions to use, which were further enhanced for highly activated patients. The findings highlight the importance of communication tactics and technology characteristics and have implications for the management of PHR implementations.