TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH OF ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER AMERICANS

• Published in: Innovation in aging Vol. 1; no. suppl_1; p. 41
• Main Authors: Levkoff, S., Chen, H., Lindeman, D.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 01.07.2017
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.163

Over the past decade, substantial research has identified the role that health information technology (HIT) can play in enhancing health, through assisting with medication compliance, acquisition of information and skills for managing illness, and providing socio-emotional support to enhance retention of positive behavioral change. Despite the emergence of HIT and its evidence in supporting a variety of health outcomes, there has been less penetration of HIT in ethnic minority populations, where cultural values often play a role in mitigating access to HIT. This session provides an overview of four different studies, all of which are focused on developing culturally-competent HIT interventions for ethnic minority older adults with a range of health problems, including dementia, congestive heart failure, and HIV. The studies were all developed through focus groups with the at-risk populations, who identified needs, barriers, and facilitators to overcome barriers identified. In addition, iterative usability testing was conducted during the development of all HIT programs. Each presentation will focus on the unique contributions of the different theories (e.g., social learning, positive psychology, adult education/andragogy, behavioral economics, digital technology, cultural adaptation, and evidence-based care) that went into the development of the HIT program.