Table 2 Selected themes reported by participants *
N (%) reporting each theme | |
|---|---|
Concerns about mHealth use | |
Reluctance to rely on a machine | 8 (19.5) |
Feel like they “don’t need it” | 7 (17.3) |
Concerned about whether healthcare provider will receive information generated by device | 6 (14.6) |
Ways mHealth devices might be used | |
Help reach healthcare provider more expeditiously | 11 (26.8) |
Monitor over 24-hour period | 10 (24.4) |
Monitor for falls and other adverse events in the home | 6 (14.6) |
Provide 2 way communication channel between physician and patient | 6 (14.6) |
Facilitate sharing of information (with physician/family members) | 3 (7.3) |
Provide supervision and sense of security | 4 (9.8) |
Facilitate evaluation of treatment outcomes | 1 (2.4) |
Barriers to mHealth use | |
Concern about battery dying | 20 (48.8) |
Cost | 17 (41.5) |
Lack of familiarity with technology | 13 (31.7) |
Forgetfulness/memory problems | 12 (29.3) |
Concerns about privacy | 8 (19.5) |
Unwilling to wear monitor | 4 (9.8) |
Concern about functional limitations | 4 (9.8) |
Concern about learning to use technology | 3 (7.3) |
Concern about device malfunction/incorrect use by patient | 3 (7.3) |
Health problems too complex | 1 (2.4) |
Concern about lack of human interaction | 1 (2.4) |
No primary care physician | 1 (2.4) |
Technology connection problems in apartment building | 1 (2.4) |
Facilitators to mHealth use | |
Provide training on device use | 25 (61.1) |
Tailor equipment to older adults’ functional abilities | 14 (34.1) |
Employ information technology support staff | 10 (24.4) |
Evidence that mHealth device use leads to improved pain outcomes | 2 (4.9) |
Wearable mHealth monitors (as opposed to use of wall/home mounted monitors) | 2 (4.9) |