The Development of Digital Elderly Health Book (DEHB) Program for Elderly Using, Thailand
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Abstract
Introduction: Thailand is currently experiencing a steady increase in its elderly population, coupled with the societal shift towards digitalization in the modern era. Consequently, the utilization of digital technology to facilitate access to health services among the elderly has become crucial. This study aimed to develop a program for promoting the use of a digital elderly health book (DEHB) and evaluate its effectiveness.
Methods: A research and development approach was employed, consisting of three main steps. Firstly, basic information surveys were conducted, and a program to promote the use of DEHB was developed. The informants included stakeholders from four regions of Thailand, with a sample size of 10 people per region. Secondly, a quasi-experimental research design was implemented to assess the effectiveness of the developed program. The participants were divided into four experimental areas (158 subjects) and four control areas (157 subjects). Thirdly, the program was optimized based on the results of the effectiveness evaluation by qualified experts.
Results: The program for promoting the use of DEHB comprised three essential components: (i) enhancing the capabilities of elderly health workers; (ii) fostering demand and developing skills for utilizing health information among the elderly and their caregivers; and (iii) promoting social influence and participation. The experimental exhibited significantly higher levels of access to and utilization of DEHB compared to the control. There was a substantial level of satisfaction with DEHB.
Conclusion: The successful promotion of digital health adoption among the elderly necessitates proficiency, comprehension, and awareness of its advantages among both practitioners (i.e., public health officials) and users (i.e., elderly individuals and caregivers). It also involves creating social influence to gain more acceptance and support for digital health initiatives.
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