Silver care anywhere: applied communication research on perceptions and adoption of telemonitoring among older adults in Singapore

Abstract

Telemonitoring has significant potential in meeting the healthcare needs of Singapore's ageing population. However, social inequities have contributed to challenges in effectively introducing and communicating telemonitoring to one of its main beneficiaries, older adults. Through two studies, our project Silver Care Anywhere aims to (1) investigate the motivations and barriers of older Singaporeans towards an existing telemonitoring service and (2) pilot an applied communication research campaign that examines the influence of message framing, health control and modality on telemonitoring acceptance.

In Study 1, qualitative interviews (n=17) were carried out among older adults to explore their perceptions towards the adoption of FullHealth: a community-based telemonitoring service. Key themes from the interviews revealed that the accessibility, price, and health benefits of telemonitoring emerged as motivators. Barriers included preferences for in-person medical visits, service limitations, and poor information processing skills. Drawing on the findings from Study 1, our second study tested the effects of message framing (episodic, thematic) on older adults’ receptivity to telemonitoring through a pilot campaign that spanned three weeks (n=120). Results showed that an interaction between framing and acceptance attitude was found, such that those exposed to episodic-framed messages indicated more favourable attitudes. Participants with a higher external locus of control indicated more positive attitudes when exposed to thematic framing compared to episodic framing. Theoretical and practical implications for the health communication field were discussed.