Unpacking the influencing factors of telehealth usage among older consumers

Figures & data

Table 1. Sample characteristics of the participants.

Sample characteristics	n	%	M	SD
Gender
Male	156	45.48
Female	187	54.52
Education
Associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degree	179	51.73
Some college but no degree	84	24.28
High school or less	83	23.99
Income
High ($80K and above)	94	30.03
Medium (between $40K and $79,999)	165	52.72
Low ($39,999 and lower)	54	17.25
Age			74	7.43

Figure 1. Motivating and inhibiting factors of telehealth usage among older consumers.

Table 2. Themes of reasons for using and not using telehealth.

Reasons for using telehealth			Reasons for not using telehealth
Theme	Code	Quotes	Theme	Code	Quotes
Convenience and ease of use	Convenience	“CONVENIENT!”	Telehealth limitations	Limited in the types of healthcare services provided	“in some situations it would not work”
		“can do it from home”			“does not take b/p, temp or show actual care in person”
		“no Dr visit required”			“can’t do blood work”
		“being able to stay home when ill”			“I felt my problem should be physically examined”
		“less anxiety”			“Some Dr examinations cannot be done”
	Availability	“Available 24/7 at all times!”		Lacking in in-person interaction	“less personal than a face to face visit with my healthcare provider”
		“better, quicker appointment availability”			“no personal interaction”
		“doctor available”			“Doctor can’t see me”
		“availability of staff”
	Ease of use	“easy to use”			“lacks personal contact”
		“easier to do”			“Doctors need to see patient to diagnose.”
Efficiency	Quick response	“Quick simple answers”	Privacy concerns and lack of trust	Privacy concerns	“Do not want my info hacked!!”
		“efficient use of time”			“breach of confidentiality”
		“more efficient”			“many computer hackers”
		“quicker response from doctor”			“security of information”
		“quick service”			“less secure”
	Efficient communication	“faster transfer of information”		Lack of trust	“Don’t trust it.”
		“The doctor or nurse can communicate with you as they are”			“lack of trust for privacy”
		“better, quicker appointment availability”			“afraid of scams”
		“ease of accessing health care pro”			“don’t feel info is safe”
A forced option	Restrictions due to the pandemic	“COVID lockdown prevented in-person visit.”	Lack of access and skills	Lack of access	“don’t have computer, tv, smart phone”
		“DR. would not see us in person”			“not familiar with it”
		“covid restrictions”			“no way to use it”
	The only option	“only way for my husband to see dr.”			“no internet, have to drive to wifi”
		“forced to”		Lack of skills	“technology hard for seniors”
		“no other choice”
	Doctor request	“Doctor requested it”			“inadequate knowledge of device use”
		“Doctor wouldn’t let patients come in”			“not computer smart”
		“MY DOCTOR SUGGESTED IT”			“confusions with directions”

Table 3. Summary of logistic regression results.

Variable	B	SE	Wald	df	Sig.	Exp(B)
Attitude toward telehealth (Tsai et al., 2019; Cronbach’s α = 0.959) I think telehealth is a good option for patients. I like telehealth as a healthcare option. I think favorably about telehealth. I think telehealth can provide patients with a pleasant experience.	.708	.253	7.846	1	.005	2.029
Usefulness (Sintonen & Immonen, 2013) Telehealth would be useful in healthcare.	−.390	.298	1.714	1	.191	.677
Efficiency (Venkatesh et al., 2012) Telehealth would be an efficient way to communicate with health professionals.	.518	.304	2.894	1	.089	1.678
Benefit (Sintonen & Immonen, 2013; Cronbach’s α = 0.898). Using telehealth might result in clear benefits for following up my own health and treatment. Benefits acquired with telehealth could ease the work of health care professionals.	−.452	.285	2.518	1	.113	.636
Privacy concerns (Lee et al., 2003; Salisbury et al., 2001; Cronbach’s α = 0.926) I feel comfortable providing my personal information through telehealth devices such as computers, smartphones, and apps. (reverse-coded) I see that transferring my personal information through telehealth would be as safe as through a phone call. (reverse-coded)	.036	.197	.033	1	.857	1.036
Trust (Sheng & Simpson, 2015; Cronbach’s α = 0.964) All in all, I have complete trust in telehealth care. In general, telehealth care can be relied upon. I am confident that telehealth care can be trusted.	.140	.248	.320	1	.571	1.151
Health (Jelicic & Kempen, 1999) Would you say your health in general is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?	−.578	.176	10.761	1	.001	.561
Gender What is your gender? (1 = male; 2 = female)	.793	.279	8.071	1	.004	2.209

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