[Acceptance and intention to use of a physiological sensor shirt in health field in older patients]

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the acceptance and intention to use physiological sensor shirt among older patients in healthcare, as well as to identify the factors that encourage a positive attitude towards its adoption.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using questionnaires addressed to patients between 60 and 85years of age, administered via face-to-face interviews to determine intention to use a shirt with physiological sensors. The extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was used in conjunction with administration of the quality of life and perceived stress scales.

Results: Forty-eight patients participated in the study, 54.2% were male with a mean age of 70.5years. The mean scores for attitude towards use and intention to use were 3.9 (SD: 0.8) and 3.3 (SD: 0.8), respectively, out of a maximum of 5. The willingness to use the device was positive in 72.9% of patients The patients intending to use wearable technology (n=35) scored significantly higher than those unwilling to wear the shirt (n=13) on perceived ubiquity (P=.031), perceived ease of use (P=.002), and perceived utility (P=.007).

Conclusions: In a sample of independent older adults from the healthcare sector, a high willingness to use a shirt with physiological sensors was found. Through the TAM questionnaire, ubiquity, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness were identified as key factors predisposing its adoption.

Keywords: Autocuidado; Dispositivos electrónicos vestibles; Independent older adults; Percepción; Perception; Personas mayores independientes; Self care; Telemedicina; Telemedicine; Wearable electronic devices.