Applying the Technological-Personal-Environmental Framework to Examine Older Adults’ Intention to Adopt Telemedicine

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, advantages of telemedicine are more highlighted than ever. However, older adults are under-utilizing telemedicine compared to young people. Although there are well-known factors related to older adults’ lower intention to adopt telemedicine, those factors were segmentally examined in previous research. The present study aimed a comprehensive examination of what determines older adults’ intention to adopt telemedicine. It also aimed to examine whether the pandemic had impacted on their intention. Guided by the Technological-Personal-Environmental (TPE) framework, seven potential determinants were examined. Survey data collected from 189 adults aged 60 or older in the United States were used for this study. For analytic strategies, a paired sample t -test and multiple linear regression were employed. As a result, it was found that study participants with stronger digital confidence, prior experience of using telemedicine, more groups of people who help with digital skills, and more acquaintances using telemedicine had higher intention to adopt telemedicine than those without. In contrast, those who were satisfied with in-person visits to doctor showed lower intention than those who were dissatisfied. Overall, study participants’ current intention to adopt telemedicine was significantly higher than their intention prior to the pandemic. Findings of this study will contribute to designing effective policies and programs to support increased utilization of telemedicine among older adults.