Needs and Experiences of Older Adults With Multiple Morbidities Using Health Technologies for Self-Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

BACKGROUND

The global population is aging, and it is becoming increasingly common for older people to suffer from multiple diseases. The development of digital health technologies has assisted the self-management of multimorbid older patients. Currently, there is a lack of qualitative review that synthesizes the needs and experiences of multimorbid older patients using digital health technologies for self-management.

AIMS

To synthesize the needs and experiences of multimorbid older adults using digital health technologies for self-management.

METHODS

The following six electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. The search timeframe was from construction to November 4, 2024. Thematic synthesis by Thomas and Harden was used for meta-synthesis. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers, and quality was evaluated using the 10-item Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included. Three themes and seven subthemes were synthesized: (1) different impressions and perceptions, (2) challenges of use, and (3) conveniences and benefits. Older adults with multiple medical conditions have positive or negative impressions and perceptions of digital health technologies and experience multiple challenges in their use (lack of expertise, technical and equipment barriers, need support), while at the same time, digital health technologies offer huge benefits for their self-management (improved communication with healthcare professionals, enhanced self-management skills).

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

This review provides support for healthcare professionals to understand the experiences of multimorbid older adults using digital health technologies for self-management. Healthcare professionals and technology developers should establish collaborative relationships to design comprehensive, usable, and less burdensome digital health technologies for older adults with multiple morbidities. Additionally, comprehensive technical support services should be provided to ensure the effective utilization of these technologies by older adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO number: CRD42024599433.