Abstract
Introduction:
Older adults are known to have high falls risk. Home assessments are commonly used by occupational therapists to identify fall hazards and support safe discharge home. The increased ageing population and limited healthcare resources provide a rising opportunity for using technologies in home assessments. However, little information is known about older adults' willingness to use smartphone technology to identify fall hazards at their homes.
Objectives:
This study explored older adults' perceptions of using smartphone technology to identify falls hazards.
Method:
Participants were patients in the transition care program and potentially discharged to home. They were over 65 years old and in absence of cognitive impairment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was completed.
Results:
Hindered by the pandemic, three participants were recruited. Themes of the Technology Acceptance Model are used to reflect older adults' perceptions of using a smartphone to identify environmental falls hazards: (1) actual use, (2) intention to use, (3) perceived usefulness, and (4) perceived ease of use. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement reflects the factors affecting older adults' technology use: person: (1) Competence and knowledge; (2) confidence; (3) choice; and (4) privacy, flexibility, and autonomy; environment: (1) phone coverage and (2) social environment.
Conclusion:
Older adults perceived completing home assessments by sending photos as useful and manageable. However, education on relevant smartphone functions is required for older adults to succeed in sending photos for home assessments. Clinicians should consider different personal and environmental factors when recommending technology to older adults.
Older adults are known to have high falls risk. Home assessments are commonly used by occupational therapists to identify fall hazards and support safe discharge home. The increased ageing population and limited healthcare resources provide a rising opportunity for using technologies in home assessments. However, little information is known about older adults' willingness to use smartphone technology to identify fall hazards at their homes.
Objectives:
This study explored older adults' perceptions of using smartphone technology to identify falls hazards.
Method:
Participants were patients in the transition care program and potentially discharged to home. They were over 65 years old and in absence of cognitive impairment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was completed.
Results:
Hindered by the pandemic, three participants were recruited. Themes of the Technology Acceptance Model are used to reflect older adults' perceptions of using a smartphone to identify environmental falls hazards: (1) actual use, (2) intention to use, (3) perceived usefulness, and (4) perceived ease of use. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement reflects the factors affecting older adults' technology use: person: (1) Competence and knowledge; (2) confidence; (3) choice; and (4) privacy, flexibility, and autonomy; environment: (1) phone coverage and (2) social environment.
Conclusion:
Older adults perceived completing home assessments by sending photos as useful and manageable. However, education on relevant smartphone functions is required for older adults to succeed in sending photos for home assessments. Clinicians should consider different personal and environmental factors when recommending technology to older adults.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 53-53 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Australian Occupational Therapy Journal |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue number | S1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Jun 2025 |
| Event | Occupational Therapy Australia 31st National Conference and Exhibition 2025 - Adelaide Conference Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 25 Jun 2025 → 27 Jun 2025 Conference number: 31 https://www.otausevents.com.au/otaus2025 |