Older Adults? Experiences of Using Digital Health Technology for Multimorbidity Self-Management ? Findings From a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

It is widely accepted that digital health technologies can support the self-management of chronic disease, aiding in symptom and lifestyle monitoring and management, encouraging behaviour change, and sharing data amongst a care network. However, little is understood about how older adults with multiple chronic conditions might digitally self-manage. In this paper, we present findings from a longitudinal 12-month trial whereby older adults with multimorbidity used the ProACT digital health platform to self-manage their conditions. Interviews were conducted with participants at four time-points during the trial and data were thematically analysed. Findings presented in this article relate to three themes, the learning journey of participants, routines and strategies of using the technology, and facilitators and barriers to use. This paper demonstrates that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are willing and capable of engaging in digital self-management, and that this cohort can develop and master the technical skills necessary for self-management.