Cornelius James, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, shares insights on the surprising adoption of digital health technologies by older adults. He challenges societal biases about seniors' tech engagement and discusses how patient portals enhance access to healthcare. The conversation explores the digital health divide faced by rural and low-income groups, the importance of in-person care, and how healthcare providers can support older patients in navigating technology. AI's role in improving healthcare experience is also highlighted.
A significant 80% of older adults engage with digital health technologies, highlighting their growing comfort with managing health digitally.
Barriers such as internet access disparities reveal complex usage patterns, particularly among rural populations and marginalized communities in healthcare.
Deep dives
Understanding Digital Health Technology
Digital health technology encompasses various tools that allow individuals to engage with their health data and communicate with healthcare providers, including patient portals and mobile health applications. These technologies enable users to track their health, access medical information, and facilitate telehealth encounters, making healthcare more accessible. Recent findings indicate that four out of five older adults engage with these technologies, a figure that surpassed initial expectations, particularly given the increasing smartphone adoption among this demographic. This suggests a growing comfort and capability among older adults in utilizing digital resources for managing their health.
Access and Usage Disparities
Although the expectation might be that rural populations would benefit most from digital health technologies, studies revealed that individuals living outside metropolitan areas actually use these technologies less frequently. Factors such as reliable internet access and the affordability of broadband can significantly hinder usage, especially in lower-income rural communities. Interestingly, those who have historically been marginalized, including non-Hispanic Black individuals, demonstrated higher engagement with digital health tools, possibly linked to a mistrust of the healthcare system that drives a preference for technology-mediated communication. This points to an important complexity in understanding who uses these tools and highlights the need to address barriers to access.
The Future of AI in Digital Health
As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various industries, its integration into healthcare holds the potential to enhance the usability of digital health technologies for older adults. Many older individuals have begun using AI tools, such as chatbots, indicating a shift in acceptance and capability with technology among this population. The ongoing challenge remains in guiding patients through using these technologies effectively, particularly as AI tools become more autonomous and commonplace. Ultimately, if approached thoughtfully, AI can serve as a collaborative partner, improving healthcare interactions and making them more efficient for both patients and clinicians.
Digital health technologies, including patient portals, are widely used by older adults, as described in a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. Author Cornelius James, MD, of the University of Michigan joins JAMA+ AI Editor in Chief Roy H. Perlis, MD, MSc, to discuss the study and how it fits with his own experience in the clinic. Related Content: