Barriers and Facilitators to eHealth Technology Use Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2022 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00016 · Published: July 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the barriers and facilitators to using eHealth technologies among people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). eHealth includes things like mobile apps, telemedicine, and websites used to manage health. The study found that some people with SCI face challenges like difficulty understanding technology, feeling overwhelmed by too much online information, and struggling to use devices due to limited hand function. On the other hand, successful past experiences with technology, voice-activated features, and online communities made it easier for people with SCI to use eHealth tools.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 community-dwelling participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative descriptive study

Key Findings

1
A digital divide, stemming from age or lack of experience, presents a barrier to understanding and utilizing eHealth technologies for some individuals with SCI.
2
Navigating internet resources that provide excessive amounts of health information can deter individuals with SCI from seeking help online.
3
Limited hand function due to paralysis or tremors poses a significant challenge for individuals with SCI when interacting with eHealth technologies.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to eHealth technology use among community-dwelling individuals with SCI, identifying key obstacles such as a digital divide, information overload, and limited hand function. Facilitators included previous successful experiences with eHealth technologies, voice activation features, and online community networks, suggesting potential avenues for improving eHealth engagement. The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring eHealth resources to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with SCI, ultimately aiming to improve accessibility and usability.

Practical Implications

Informing Researchers and Clinicians

Findings offer insights into factors affecting the engagement of individuals with SCI with telemedicine, mobile, and web applications.

Guiding Future Development

Results can inform the future development of eHealth interventions and tools among chronic disease populations, making them more accessible and user-friendly.

Tailoring eHealth Resources

Findings highlight the need to customize eHealth resources to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with SCI, improving their usability and effectiveness.

Study Limitations

1
Participants were likely predisposed to using eHealth technologies.
2
Participants were predominantly from British Columbia.
3
Participants’ responses may have been affected by recall or social desirability biases.

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