With the global population ageing, older adults face increasing health challenges. Mobile applications offer a cost-effective and accessible solution to help them maintain independence and promote health.
The mobile app, iHealth Screen, was designed for preliminary self-help health screening in older adults without time and location boundaries. It incorporated 11 common geriatric assessments with test results, educational videos, community resources and a comprehensive health report. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather feedback.
In face-to-face iHealth Screen workshops with 225 participants, 96% expressed intent to continue using the app, and 95% would recommend it to others. Over 90% reported that the app improved their understanding of their health condition. Nine focus groups with 45 participants revealed that older adults' health literacy was enhanced through iHealth Screen, and the app's resources and interactive videos facilitated healthy ageing. Caregivers found it conducive to open discussions with older adults, reducing caregiver stress and increasing their confidence in providing care. The app's reporting feature allowed caregivers to monitor health conditions and seek professional advice.
iHealth Screen has improved the efficiency of health screening for older adults and is a cost-effective tool for the ageing community. It empowers older adults and caregivers in health care monitoring and enhances health literacy. On a broader scale, iHealth Screen has potential for district-based use in elderly centers to better understand older adults' conditions and allocate resources effectively.

Authors:
Maggie Fung Yee Wong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Noble Po Ka Law, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Jean Woo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Maggie Fung Yee Wong, a nursing officer, leads the iHealth Screen development team honored at the 10th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in 2022, winning "Innovation of the Year – Technology."

Connect on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiewongfy

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