Access to smart devices and utilization of online health resources among older cardiac rehabilitation participants

BACKGROUND: Newer models of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery are promising but depend upon patient participation and ability to use technological media including Internet and smart devices. AIM: To explore the availability of smart devices, current utilization and proficiency of use among older CR program attendees. METHODS: Study participants were enrolled from four CR programs in Omaha, Nebraska United States and completed a questionnaire of 28 items. RESULTS: Of 376 participants approached, 169 responded (45%). Mean age was 71. 1 (SD ± 10) years. Demographics were 73. 5% males, 89. 7% Caucasians, 52% with college degree and 56. 9%, with income of 40K or more. Smart device ownership was 84. 5%; desktop computer was the most preferred device. Average Internet use was 1. 9 h/d (SD ± 1. 7) ; 54. 3% of participants indicating for general usage but only 18. 4% pursued health-related purposes. Utilization of other health information modalities was low, 29. 8% used mobile health applications and 12. 5% used wearable devices. Of all participants, 72% reported no barriers to using Internet. Education and income were associated positively with measures of utilization and with less perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: Among an older group of subjects attending CR, most have access to smart devices and do not perceive significant barriers to Internet use. Nonetheless, there was low utilization of health-related resources suggesting a need for targeted education in this patient population.