Evaluation of an E-learning Platform Promoting Electronic Personal Health Record Competence: A Pilot Study in Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract Background Electronic personal health records (ePHRs) are an important component in the increasing digitalization of healthcare. Access barriers can arise, especially for older adults, with limited experience in using digital systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of using an interactive microlearning-based e-learning platform on older adults’ competencies in dealing with the ePHR. Methods To examine the effects of e-learning platform use on competencies, a pilot study was conducted with two study arms. One arm consisted of young-old adults (YOA) aged 50 to 64 years and the other of older adults (OA) aged 65 years and over. Both groups used the learning platform for one week. Participants’ ePHR knowledge (12-item questionnaire) and usage skills (completion time for three ePHR tasks) were measured pre- and post-intervention. The intention to use (ITU) the ePHR was surveyed using a Technology Usage Inventory subscale. The usability of the platform was assessed using the System Usability Scale. Results In terms of knowledge, the OA increased the median value from 7.00 to 9.00 (p = .019, r = .63) and the YOA increased the median value from 7.00 to 10.00 (p = .001, r = .86). In relation to skills, the OA decreased the median value from 746.50 to 539.00 seconds (p = .002, r = .82) and the YOA decreased the median value from 487.00 to 351.00 seconds (p = .012, r = .67). No significant difference was present between the groups in terms of knowledge (p = .125) and skill acquisition (p = .144). The median ITU score decreased from 282.00 to 262.00 (p = .038, r = .39) across the entire study population and remained unchanged within the groups. The usability received a mean score of 64.04 for all study participants. Conclusion OA and YOA benefited from the use of the learning platform by increasing their ePHR competence (knowledge and skill) with a consistently high ITU the ePHR. The pilot study provided insights into the feasibility of using e-learning to promote ePHR competence. However, the usability of the learning platform should be improved for large-scale studies in the future. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (registration number: DRKS00031730), registered on 20/04/2023 - prospectively registered.