Older adults' perspectives and digital literacy on smartphone home assessment

Introduction: <br/>Smartphones serve as a potential alternative method for virtual occupational therapy home assessment; however, uncertainty remains regarding older adults' perspectives on using smartphones in this context, coupled with reports of lower digital literacy among older Australians. <br/><br/>Objectives: <br/>This study aims to (a) explore older adults’ perceptions of using smartphones in home assessments, (b) evaluate their digital literacy in this context, (c) examine any potential relationships between digital literacy and their perspectives with smartphone-based assessments. <br/><br/>Methods: <br/>This qualitative study received ethics approval, and participants were recruited through a community-based healthy ageing program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' perspectives on smartphone use, while digital assessments were carried out through the researcher’s observation, with participants’ proficiency quantitatively scored. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis, and digital assessments were analysed descriptively. <br/><br/>Findings: <br/>From eight participants, four themes emerged: 1) smartphone as an everyday life necessity, 2) the buzz of learning and health literacy, 3) pre-IT generation with digital proficiency, and 4) a tool with trade-offs. Participants generally held positive attitudes towards smartphone-based assessments but were concerned about personal connection and detail accuracy. Digital assessments showed sufficient digital literacy, indicating older adults are capable of using smartphones for home assessments. <br/><br/>Conclusion: <br/>This study identifies older adults’ strong capability to use technology for home assessment despite expectations. Health professionals could further explore this potential by expanding telehealth options tailored to older adults. Key words: Older adults, Home assessments &amp; modification