Empowerment Through Apps for Self-Monitoring?

<p>Digitalization of health care is considered a solution to the increasing pressure on the healthcare system caused by demographic changes. However, research has documented that older adults often experience barriers to engage with digital technologies. This article explores the significance of ehealth literacy (eHL) for the empowerment of patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through apps for self-monitoring of vision. The data analyzed derive from the Danish-German Interreg project, NorDigHealth, and consist of interviews and observations with eighteen patients who participated in an in-clinic test of apps. We conduct a secondary analysis and apply the eHL framework to focus on the abilities of the users, as well as the systemic aspects and the interaction between system and user. The analysis identifies substantial challenges among patients with AMD. Although all were literate and health-conscious, the apps failed to provide adequate support to enable them to cope with or feel comfortable with self-monitoring. Many had multiple conditions and age-related decline, leaving them confused, and with decreased self-efficacy after testing. These results comply with international research highlighting age and health status as key factors in eHL and technology adoption. We stress the need for thorough assessment of a target group’s eHL—including age and health status—to avoid digitalization causing patient disempowerment and widening the digital divide.</p>