iHealth Screen: Empowering Older Adults and Caregivers Through Mobile Health Screening

Abstract

With the global population ageing, the health challenges faced by older adults are increasing. Mobile applications provide a cost-effective and accessible solution to help them maintain independence and promote healthy ageing. This study focuses on iHealth Screen, a mobile health app specifically designed to provide older adults with preliminary self-help health screening without limitations of time and location in Hong Kong. It takes a comprehensive approach to healthy ageing, incorporating 11 common geriatric assessments, test results, educational videos, community resources, and a comprehensive health report. The efficacy of the app was evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methods, gathering feedback from older adults and caregivers. In face-to-face iHealth Screen workshops with 225 participants, 96% expressed their intent to continue using the app, and 95% would recommend it to others. Over 90% reported improved understanding of their health condition through the app. Nine focus groups with 45 participants revealed that iHealth Screen enhanced older adults' health literacy and facilitated healthy ageing through its resources and interactive videos. Caregivers found it helpful in initiating discussions, reducing stress, and increasing confidence in providing care. The reporting feature enabled caregivers to monitor health conditions and seek professional advice. iHealth Screen has served as a cost-effective and empowering tool for older adults and caregivers in healthcare monitoring and enhances health literacy. District-based implementation in elderly centers could further leverage its potential for understanding older adults' conditions and resource allocation.

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Author Information
Maggie Fung-Yee Wong, CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing–The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
Ken Cheung, CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing–The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
Noble Po-Ka Law, CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing–The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
Jean Woo, CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing–The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

• Category: Aging and Gerontology

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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