Aims: Although digital technology is being increasingly utilised in healthcare settings, these changes are occurring with minimal consideration of the technological health (eHealth) of older people in hospital. We aimed to assess the eHealth literacy levels of older adults in an Australian sub-acute inpatient setting.
Methods: We used a questionnaire and a validated eHealth literacy tool (eHEALS) to describe the characteristics and eHealth literacy of individuals ≥65 years old admitted to Geriatric Evaluation and Management units at a single Victorian site. We excluded those with significant changed behaviours, those receiving end-of-life care and those with Abbreviated Mental Test Scores ≤6.
Results: Between September 2023 and January 2024, we recruited a total of 44 people (mean age 80.1, 61% women). A total of 7/44 (16%) did not have a digital device at home. Although the majority of respondents agreed they knew how (64%) and where (61%) to find information on the internet, most did not feel confident in using this information to make health decisions (59%)) or telling high- and low-quality information apart (64%). Greater formal education and preference to use digital technology for booking medical appointments was associated with greater eHealth literacy (both p<0.05).
Conclusions: Attempts to introduce patient-facing digital health interventions among older people in hospital should consider that some recipients may not own a digital device or have the necessary critical skills to evaluate or use any information provided. Implementation of digital health interventions should consider the specific needs of older people for whom they are intended.