Telemedicine Delivery for Urban Seniors with Low Computer Literacy: A Pilot Study

摘要

The rapid development of health information technologies has been touted for its potential to address health disparities and create a more equitable healthcare system. However, most system designers do not understand the needs and preferences of members of underserved communities and fail to take these factors into consideration when developing applications. Although an increasing number of studies examine consumers’ attitudes towards telehealth, there remains a dearth of information from consumers residing in underserved, urban areas. This pilot study used a mixed methods approach to assess the perspectives of consumers and nurses toward a specific telemedicine application. Consistent with prior studies, the findings suggest a general receptivity toward telehealth but with reservations related to discomfort with computers and the equivalency with face-to-face care. The study suggests the need for larger-scale studies that can help to identify the needs and preferences of members of underserved communities in the design of telehealth applications.