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Access to telehealth for senior immigrants to improve utilization of healthcare services and communicating health conditions.
Researchers: Shirly Bar-Lev1, Galia Sabar 1, Anda Barak1
- Ruppin Academic Center
Background: Studies point to a relatively low adoption rate of telemedicine among immigrants aged 65+ and identify language proficiency and cultural gaps as key factors contributing to underuse. Additionally, technological anxiety serves as a barrier to using telemedicine tools among the elderly. In Israel, no comparative research has yet been conducted to compare three immigrant groups.
Objectives: 1. To map the use of telemedicine among elderly immigrants (from the Former Soviet Union, France, and Ethiopia) and to examine their intention to use the service.
2. To identify the barriers preventing the use of these services.
3. To examine the relationship between language, digital literacy, and health literacy and the use of telemedicine.
2. To identify the barriers preventing the use of these services.
3. To examine the relationship between language, digital literacy, and health literacy and the use of telemedicine.
Method: Phase A: In-depth interviews with 15 physicians from the community and hospitals.
• Phase B: In-depth interviews with 30 immigrants aged 65+ from France, the Former Soviet Union, and Ethiopia.
• Phase C: A survey of 300 veteran immigrants to examine the use of telemedicine technologies, identify barriers, and assess the service's impact on their physical and mental well-being.
• Phase B: In-depth interviews with 30 immigrants aged 65+ from France, the Former Soviet Union, and Ethiopia.
• Phase C: A survey of 300 veteran immigrants to examine the use of telemedicine technologies, identify barriers, and assess the service's impact on their physical and mental well-being.
Findings: In all three immigrant groups, there was a positive attitude toward adopting telemedicine. Compared to the other immigrant groups, Ethiopian immigrants felt that being new immigrants hindered their ability to use telemedicine services. Compared to immigrants from the Former Soviet Union, immigrants from France and Ethiopia expressed a desire for the service to be provided in their native language.
A linear regression predicting the use of telemedicine showed that approximately 30% of the variance in telemedicine use is explained by the following variables: digital literacy, health status, access to technology, and socioeconomic status.
A linear regression predicting the use of telemedicine showed that approximately 30% of the variance in telemedicine use is explained by the following variables: digital literacy, health status, access to technology, and socioeconomic status.
Conclusions: Investment in training programs aimed at improving digital and health literacy among vulnerable populations, such as immigrants from Ethiopia and France is required.
Recommendations:
Telemedicine systems should be made accessible in the native languages of immigrants (Amharic, Tigrinya), and translation services should be offered.
Telemedicine systems should be made accessible in the native languages of immigrants (Amharic, Tigrinya), and translation services should be offered.
Research number: R/72/2021
Research end date: 12/2024