JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

E-health tools are increasingly applied in healthcare. They are expected to improve access to health care, quality of healthcare and health outcomes. Although advantages of using these tools in healthcare are well described, it is unknown to what extent e-health tools are effective when used by vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly, people with low social economic status, single parents, minorities or immigrants.

Objective:

This study examines if the design and implementation characteristics of e-health tools contribute to a better use among vulnerable groups

Methods:

In the systematic review we assess the design and implementation characteristics of e-health tools that are used by vulnerable groups. In the meta-analyses we use the adherence rate as effect size measure. The adherence rate is defined as the number of people who are repetitive users - use e-health tool more then once. We also run a meta-regression to examine how different design and implementation characteristics influence the adherence rate.

Results:

Currently, e-health tools are continuously used by vulnerable groups in small extent. Also, e-health tools that use some multi modal content (such as videos) and possibility for direct communication with provider improve the adherence of e-health tools among vulnerable groups.

Conclusions:

E-health tools that use multi-modal content and provide the possibility for direct communication with provider have a higher adherence among vulnerable groups. However most of the e-health tools are not embodied within healthcare system. They are usually focused on specific problems – diabetes or obesity. But they do not provide comprehensive services for users. This limits the use of e-health tools as a replacement for existing healthcare services. Clinical Trial: NA