Abstract
Introduction:
Smartphones serve as a potential alternative method for virtual occupational therapy home assessment; however, uncertainty remains regarding older adults' perspectives on using smartphones in this context, coupled with reports of lower digital literacy among older Australians.
Objectives:
This study aims to (a) explore older adults’ perceptions of using smartphones in home assessments, (b) evaluate their digital literacy in this context, (c) examine any potential relationships between digital literacy and their perspectives with smartphone-based assessments.
Methods:
This qualitative study received ethics approval, and participants were recruited through a community-based healthy ageing program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' perspectives on smartphone use, while digital assessments were carried out through the researcher’s observation, with participants’ proficiency quantitatively scored. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis, and digital assessments were analysed descriptively.
Findings:
From eight participants, four themes emerged: 1) smartphone as an everyday life necessity, 2) the buzz of learning and health literacy, 3) pre-IT generation with digital proficiency, and 4) a tool with trade-offs. Participants generally held positive attitudes towards smartphone-based assessments but were concerned about personal connection and detail accuracy. Digital assessments showed sufficient digital literacy, indicating older adults are capable of using smartphones for home assessments.
Conclusion:
This study identifies older adults’ strong capability to use technology for home assessment despite expectations. Health professionals could further explore this potential by expanding telehealth options tailored to older adults. Key words: Older adults, Home assessments & modification
Smartphones serve as a potential alternative method for virtual occupational therapy home assessment; however, uncertainty remains regarding older adults' perspectives on using smartphones in this context, coupled with reports of lower digital literacy among older Australians.
Objectives:
This study aims to (a) explore older adults’ perceptions of using smartphones in home assessments, (b) evaluate their digital literacy in this context, (c) examine any potential relationships between digital literacy and their perspectives with smartphone-based assessments.
Methods:
This qualitative study received ethics approval, and participants were recruited through a community-based healthy ageing program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' perspectives on smartphone use, while digital assessments were carried out through the researcher’s observation, with participants’ proficiency quantitatively scored. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis, and digital assessments were analysed descriptively.
Findings:
From eight participants, four themes emerged: 1) smartphone as an everyday life necessity, 2) the buzz of learning and health literacy, 3) pre-IT generation with digital proficiency, and 4) a tool with trade-offs. Participants generally held positive attitudes towards smartphone-based assessments but were concerned about personal connection and detail accuracy. Digital assessments showed sufficient digital literacy, indicating older adults are capable of using smartphones for home assessments.
Conclusion:
This study identifies older adults’ strong capability to use technology for home assessment despite expectations. Health professionals could further explore this potential by expanding telehealth options tailored to older adults. Key words: Older adults, Home assessments & modification
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 9 May 2025 |
| Event | Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - CAOT Conference 2025 - 9797 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1N9, Canada Duration: 7 May 2025 → 9 May 2025 https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEVPINOBQWXG/home |
Conference
| Conference | Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - CAOT Conference 2025 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CAOT |
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| Period | 7/05/25 → 9/05/25 |
| Other | As Canada’s largest gathering of occupational therapy professionals, CAOT Conference 2025 will be an unforgettable experience and we’re making it easier than ever for you to attend. It’s the only place where you can network with colleagues, learn the latest best practices from across the country, reflect on important issues, and get more involved with the occupational therapy profession to keep it continually moving forward. |
| Internet address |