Abstract:
Background. E-health has made healthcare more accessible, cost-effective and safer, therefore, improving health and healthcare. One key aspect of E-health is the delivery of digital interventions. Digital interventions are health interventions that are delivered via smartphone app or internet program. Digital interventions can help prevent the development of illness, can support self-management of chronic conditions and have been shown to be as effective as face-to-face services. As such, digital interventions can support people’s health, give people more choice over their healthcare, deliver health interventions to those with unmet health needs and potentially reduce the demand on healthcare systems. Despite the benefits of digital interventions, the uptake of digital interventions is poor which may be due to negative attitudes towards digital interventions. Currently, little is known about attitudes to digital interventions, particularly the attitudes held in New Zealand. Therefore, this study sought to understand New Zealand adults’ attitudes to digital interventions and what influences these attitudes.
Method. A mixed-methods study was conducted. This consisted of a cross-sectional survey assessing attitudes and semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence attitudes towards digital interventions.
Results. Three hundred and nine adults completed the survey and 14 completed interviews. New Zealand adults had a neutral attitude to digital interventions. Attitudes varied with group membership. Specifically, young people, people living rurally, people without a community services card (a measure of income) and health professionals had the most favourable attitudes to digital interventions. Further, people believed that digital interventions were only appropriate in supporting traditional care, illness prevention and supporting the management of low-risk illnesses. Additionally, several factors influenced people’s attitudes, including their culture, perceptions of accessibility, and the opinion of other people. Conclusion: As such this study holds key theoretical implications and practical implications to support the government in implementing digital interventions. Specifically, now might be the right time to build upon peoples increased exposure to E-health to focus on integrating digital interventions and improving attitudes, particularly of those with less favourable attitudes. Overall, New Zealand adults are open to using digital interventions, but only in some circumstances.