Article type
Abstract
Background: Given the growing elderly population globally, eHealth plays an indispensable role in the chronic disease management of multimorbidity. However, qualitative evidence that synthesizes the experiences of older adults with multimorbidity utilizing eHealth service is currently lacking.
Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of eHealth care in community-based settings among the older adults with multimorbidity.
Methods: Seven electronic databases including PubMed, The Cochrane library, CINAHL, Embase, Web of science, CNKI and CBM were searched, and the search was limited to studies published in English and Chinese from inception to 1st September 2023. Screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis methodology was applied to synthesize the main original themes and sub-themes. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the confidence of synthesized themes were evaluated by the CERQual approaches.
Results: Ten articles with moderate methodological quality met eligibility criteria and were included. Studies conducted in four countries with 235 participants who were living with various chronic diseases. From these includes studies, 37 credible findings were extracted and interpreted into 3 synthesized themes and 12 sub-themes: 1) Advantages and benefits perceived during eHealth service: ①empowerment through multimorbidity knowledge; ② convenient access to healthcare; ③ acceleration in decision-making efficiency; ④ promotion of self-management awareness. 2) Multidimensional challenges and negative experience posed by eHealth: ① conflicts among recommended management plans; ②technical and design issues; ③some inefficient tele-functions; ④user’s heavy psychological burden, and 3) Preferences, suggestions and expectations for future eHealth improvement: ① developing more practical functions; ② training for stakeholders before implementation; ③ hybrid model was more desired; ④ social supports from family members and peers. The confidence in the majority of the three final synthesized themes was rated between ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ scale.
Conclusions: The findings of this study provide new insights for implementing tailored eHealth care for older adults with comorbidities. Further research emphasizing how to realize the potential value of eHealth based on their needs and perspectives to promote age-friendliness in the field of geriatric practice.
Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of eHealth care in community-based settings among the older adults with multimorbidity.
Methods: Seven electronic databases including PubMed, The Cochrane library, CINAHL, Embase, Web of science, CNKI and CBM were searched, and the search was limited to studies published in English and Chinese from inception to 1st September 2023. Screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis methodology was applied to synthesize the main original themes and sub-themes. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the confidence of synthesized themes were evaluated by the CERQual approaches.
Results: Ten articles with moderate methodological quality met eligibility criteria and were included. Studies conducted in four countries with 235 participants who were living with various chronic diseases. From these includes studies, 37 credible findings were extracted and interpreted into 3 synthesized themes and 12 sub-themes: 1) Advantages and benefits perceived during eHealth service: ①empowerment through multimorbidity knowledge; ② convenient access to healthcare; ③ acceleration in decision-making efficiency; ④ promotion of self-management awareness. 2) Multidimensional challenges and negative experience posed by eHealth: ① conflicts among recommended management plans; ②technical and design issues; ③some inefficient tele-functions; ④user’s heavy psychological burden, and 3) Preferences, suggestions and expectations for future eHealth improvement: ① developing more practical functions; ② training for stakeholders before implementation; ③ hybrid model was more desired; ④ social supports from family members and peers. The confidence in the majority of the three final synthesized themes was rated between ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ scale.
Conclusions: The findings of this study provide new insights for implementing tailored eHealth care for older adults with comorbidities. Further research emphasizing how to realize the potential value of eHealth based on their needs and perspectives to promote age-friendliness in the field of geriatric practice.