National Survey of Older Adults in Canada: Social and Health Care System Determinants of E-Health Applications Use

Abstract

Little is known about e-health applications use by elderly in relation to social and system level determinants. We conducted a national survey of 2000 seniors in Canada assessing their use of technology and e-health applications, social determinants and interaction with the health care (HC) system. The findings demonstrate technological readiness (85% owned computers, 74% used Internet daily/weekly, 90% used e-mail), which does not translate into e-health applications use. Internet use to connect with a HC professional, access test results or patient portal, or medical appointment booking was very limited. The use of wearables, telemonitoring, and fall detection technology was also very low (11.9%, 9.4%, 4.2%, respectively). A digital divide exists among seniors that is underscored by significant associations between e-health applications use and social determinants. Private insurance and willingness to pay for quicker access are related to higher frequency of mApps and Internet use for accessing health information and exchanging with HC providers.