Patient’s Utilization of Health Information Technologies for Disease Self-Management

Background: The rapid growth of Health Information Technologies (HITs) provides patients with greater opportunity to take control over their health. HITs utilization has been proven to be a critical component of disease self-management and can result in positive outcomes. Its widespread adoption and utilization is still relatively low among patients with chronic disease. It is important to understand the factors that may impact HITs utilization, such as the perceived Task-Technology Fit (TTF). A very limited number of studies have examined the relationship between HITs utilization and the perceived fit between task and technology in the context of TTF theory. Aims/ Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that impact patient utilization of HITs for disease self-management. We examined the relationships between patient demographics and their utilization of HITs in relation to disease self-management and TTF. Methods and Design: A quantitative descriptive correlational research design was used for this data-based study. Data from the most recent Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2) collected in 2018 was used for this study, (N= 3,504). Results: Sociodemographic disparities still exist among patient groups in terms of HITs utilization for disease self-management. Patients with lower education attainment and lower income were less likely to access their online medical records. Also, these study findings show a significant positive relationship between perceived TTF and patient utilization of the various HITs. Open communication and discussions with healthcare provider remain the most frequently reported HIT attribute associated with patient utilization of HITs for disease self-management. Implications: Findings of this study may inform a better understanding of TTF factors. This new knowledge may influence HITs developers to include the patient perspective in future designs. These study findings may also assist researchers in developing tailored interventions that are driven by the unique individual patient technological needs for disease self-management, which in turn, can promote patient safety, improve health outcomes, and enhance the utilization of such technologies