Barriers and Drivers of Health Information Technology Use for the Elderly, Chronically Ill and Underserved

This report is based on research conducted by the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD.

Researchers reviewed the evidence on the barriers and drivers to the use of interactive consumer health information technology (IT) by specific populations, namely the elderly, those with chronic conditions or disabilities, and the underserved.

Interactive consumer health information technology (health IT) promises to engage consumers and promote their active participation in improving their health. Interactive technologies provide health information and tools that are patient-centered, offering care and support that integrates individual needs and preferences into clinical information systems. Such technologies, by tailoring health information and delivering targeted care, have significant potential to foster patient self-care monitoring and management. As the evidence on health IT interventions increases, it is important to understand how specific target groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions or disabilities, and underserved populations are able to access, use, and benefit from these applications.

http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/hitbarriers/hitbar.pdf