Factors influencing elderly patients’ intention to use digital healthcare services: A cross-sectional correlational study

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the multifaceted factors influencing elderly patients’ intention to use digital healthcare services based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire from 103 elderly patients aged ≥65 years at a general hospital, a health sub-center, and a health clinic in City Sejong from April 25, 2023 to July 29, 2023. Measures included effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, and intention to use digital healthcare services. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The factors with the greatest influence on the intention to use digital healthcare services among elderly patients aged ≥65 years were social influence (β=.62, p<.001), followed by effort expectancy (β=.24, p=.001). The explanatory power of these variables was 68% (ΔF=51.80, p<.001). Conclusion: Developing and providing standardized intervention strategies to enhance social influence and effort expectancy regarding digital healthcare services for elderly patients could improve their intention to use these services.