The Use of Tablet Technology by Older Adults in Health Care Settings—Is It Effective and Satisfying? A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This systematic review/meta-analysis examines the potential for older people to accept and use tablet technology in clinical settings by assessing satisfaction and effectiveness.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL through March 2017. Inclusion criteria included studies with any clinical use of a tablet technology with a median patient age above 65 years.

Results: We included a total of 12 studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 4 cross-sectional studies, and 4 pre/post studies). Interventions included the use of tablet technology for medication self-management, post-surgery education, memory retention, cognitive rehabilitation, and exercise promotion. The use of tablet technology by older people in clinical settings was associated with high satisfaction with a pooled prevalence of satisfaction of 78%; 95% CI 27–100. We did not find evidence for effectiveness in improving clinical or behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions: Older people can use and are satisfied with table technology in clinical settings. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of tablet technology at promoting health outcomes.

Clinical Implications: Clinicians should be encouraged to utilize tablet technology in the care of older patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging
• meta-analysis
• patient centered care
• technology