THE USABILITY OF A PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD BY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore how older adults use a Personal Health Record (PHR) within their health care, and to evaluate the role of the individual’s level of physical functioning in this use. Study One was a systematic review evaluating the existing evidence on the impact of older adults’ levels of physical functioning on their use of a PHR, and to assess the feasibility of a PHR as a modality to monitor physical functioning among this population. Study Two was a usability evaluation of PHR use by older adults with a chronic disease, with the goal to evaluate the actual use, and perceptions of use, of the McMaster PHR for self-monitoring of their physical functioning. The information gained from these studies will be used to inform future research and interventions to increase usability and uptake of PHRs by this population.