Exploring Perceived Security of Health Care Technologies in the Older Adul

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore older adults' perspectives about the security of using technology to transmit health care information to/from their providers.;Introduction: Health care technology (HCT) has the potential to improve the quality of care individuals receive and prolong independency; however, adoption rates remain lower than expected, especially for older adults. Perceived security is supported by an emerging body of evidence as a significant factor associated with the older adult's utilization of HCT.;Methods: This qualitative pilot study included a convenience sample of five older adults living in independent living facilities in Northern California and one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and reviewed using thematic analysis.;Findings: Several key themes emerged from this study: (1) Tradeoffs, reflects positive and negative associations between the benefits of using HCT and the concerns of security risks; a subtheme from Tradeoffs, Comfortable with Caveats, reflects an individual's willingness to share most personal health information except potentially sensitive information; (2) Past Experiences, reflects the impact of previous experiences with technology and security on willingness to currently utilize HCT; a subtheme from Past Experiences, Avoidance and Safeguards, reflects responses to Past Experiences; and (3) Unwarranted Access, reflects concern of exposure of personal health information to unwanted parties and potential repercussions.;Discussion: A generalized approach to address older adults' concerns of HCT and security is not adequate. A tailored approach must be used in accordance with individuals' understanding, experience, and concerns to improve acceptance rates of HCT in older adults.