Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Articles
Published: 2018-11-01

A scoping review exploration of the intended and unintended consequences of eHeath on older people: A health equity impact assessment

STAR Institute Simon Fraser University Canada and School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society Heriot-Watt University, UK
STAR Institute Simon Fraser University, Canada
STAR Institute Simon Fraser University, Canada
ie-Anne Demestihas STAR Institute Simon Fraser University Canada and Imperial College London Imperial College Business School, UK
School of Nursing and Health Sciences University of Dundee, UK
STAR Institute Simon Fraser University, Canada
eHealth health equity impact assessment scoping review older adults aging and technology

Abstract

eHealth is one perceived mechanism to extend the range and reach of limited health-care resources for older adults. A decade-scoping review (2007–2017) was conducted to systematically search and synthesize evidence to understand the intended and unintended consequences of eHealth initiatives, informed by a health equity impact assessment framework. Scoping review sources included international academic and grey literature on eHealth initiatives (e.g., eHealth records, telemedicine/telecare, and mobile eHealth application) focused on the varying needs of older adults (aged 60+), particularly individuals experiencing sociocultural and economic difficulties. Findings suggest that eHealth has several potential benefits for older adults, but also the possibility of further excluding already marginalized groups, thereby exacerbating existing health disparities. Ongoing evaluation of eHealth initiatives for older adults is necessary and requires attention to unique individual-level, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics to heighten benefits and better capture both the intended and unintended outcomes of advanced eHealth systems.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

How to Cite

Fang, M., Siden, E., Korol, A., Demestihas, M.-A., Sixsmith, J., & Sixsmith, A. (2018). A scoping review exploration of the intended and unintended consequences of eHeath on older people: A health equity impact assessment. Human Technology, 14(3), 297–323. https://doi.org/10.17011/ht/urn.201811224835