Attitudes and preferences of older adults and healthcare professionals regarding a multidisciplinary hybrid telehealth program for healthy aging

Background While aging, there is an increased risk of mobility decline, leading to deconditioning and reduced social participation in older adults. PromoSanté (short for “health promotion” in French) is a hybrid telehealth program currently under development that aims to combine in-person and remote occupational therapy, mental health and physical activity to support healthy aging among individuals with or at risk of deconditioning. Although promising, it is important to investigate the healthy aging challenges, older adults’ attitudes in the context of such programs, and the preferences of healthcare professionals to better inform both the development and the implementation process implementation. Objective This study thus aimed to explore: (1) the challenges older adults encounter in achieving healthy aging, and (2) the attitudes and preferences of older adults and healthcare professionals regarding PromoSanté , including expectations for performance and effort, implementation factors to consider, and program design preferences, also to (3) identify and validate the main structure and forms of the user journey map of the program. Methods A descriptive qualitative design was used, including semi-directed interviews with eight older adults and six healthcare professionals. Meetings with academic, clinical, and community partners informed discussions on program structure and participant journey. Results Participants reported physical, mental and social vulnerabilities, in addition to transportation issues as challenges to healthy aging. PromoSanté was viewed as potentially beneficial for physical, mental, and social well-being. Healthcare professionals highlighted the digital format’s possibilities to improve accessibility and flexibility. A hybrid delivery model was preferred. Successful implementation requires adapting to older adults’ digital literacy and ensuring sufficient resources. A training session at program onset was recommended to reduce technology-related frustration and support engagement. Conclusion Both older adults and healthcare professionals showed strong support for a multidisciplinary telehealth approach. Sustainable adoption depends on addressing individual and systemic factors.