Investigating Antecedents to Older Adults’ Uptake of Health Information Systems: Case of Electronic Personal Health Records (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Although older adults are most in need of utilizing health information systems such as electronic Personal Health Records (PHR), existing literature has given poor attention to this vulnerable group of users. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to understand the determinants of the intention to use electronic Personal Health Record (PHR) systems among elderlies. METHODS Hands-on workshops were organised to clarify various functions of a PHR system for 135 seniors and increase their knowledge of using the system for self-management of their chronic conditions. After the completion of the training, a survey was conducted to evaluate the usage intention toward PHR through the lens of Health Belief Model (HBM). The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modelling. RESULTS Data analysis of 135 responses received uncovered that the seniors’ usage intention toward the PHR is a function of PHR’s perceived usefulness, perceived barriers, perceived confidence, and cues to action. Of these, perceived usefulness was found to be the strongest predictor. The results also indicated that perceived susceptibility and perceived severity do not significantly impact the seniors’ intention for the PHR. CONCLUSIONS According to the findings and based on the HBM literature, if individuals perceive more benefits and fewer barriers to the PHR, greater self-efficacy, and better cues to action, they are more likely to adopt the system. CLINICALTRIAL N/A