Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care
Technology Acceptance
Measuring Perceptions and Attitudes Towards eHealth and mHealth Technologies among Older Adults in Central Alberta
Lead:
Reiko Yeap
Co-Lead:
Greg Wells
.
INNOVATION STAGE
Exploration
Health Innovation Focus
Health Promotion & Prevention
Population and Setting
Older adults, Rural and Remote, Central Alberta
Technology and Intervention
—
BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Accessibility: Older adults gain access to specialized care and remote health monitoring without the need for extensive travel. Reduced Anxiety: User-friendly platforms designed for older adults improve confidence and ease of use. Support for Independent Living: Digital tools enable older adults to maintain health and well-being while aging in place.
For The System
Inclusive Technology Design: Insights help developers create healthcare platforms that better meet the needs of older adults.
Improved Healthcare Access: Addressing adoption barriers leads to more widespread use of digital health tools, improving health outcomes for underserved populations.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced isolation and more efficient care delivery contribute to better overall health and well-being.
Project Theme Information
Access to healthcare in Central Alberta presents significant challenges for older adults, particularly those living in rural or remote areas. Residents often need to travel to larger cities like Calgary or Edmonton for specialized care, leading to increased travel time, expenses, and prolonged wait times. Current digital health technologies, such as eHealth and mHealth platforms, are underutilized by older adults due to poor design, lack of user-friendly features, and limited awareness of their potential benefits. These barriers create difficulties in accessing timely care and supporting independent aging.
This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions. Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging. This project aims to bridge the gap between older adults and digital health technologies, fostering a future where virtual care supports healthy, independent aging in all communities.
Data Collection: Conduct surveys and in-depth interviews with older adults to understand their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with digital health technologies.
Analysis of Barriers and Opportunities: Assess geographic, social, and technological factors affecting the adoption of eHealth and mHealth tools. Compare usage between older adults in care facilities, living independently, or with partners.
Insight Development: Identify key design and implementation barriers, such as accessibility, usability, and awareness, to inform future development.
Get Involved
Explore Partnerships
Support recruitment by reaching out to the researchers if you can help share survey information
Get in touch
.
View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province.
Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province.
ABOUT
The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system.
It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together.