Persuasive Features in Health Information Technology Interventions for Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: a Systematic Review

Although health information technology (HIT) is essential in improving health outcomes and health care quality in the United States, current research lacks information regarding persuasive features (technology features designed to promote behavioral change) in HIT interventions for managing chronic diseases among older adults (aged 50 and older). To provide an overview of the persuasive features within current HIT interventions for managing chronic diseases among older adults, we conducted a systematic review to examine the use and efficacy of web-based chronic disease self-management for older adults. Persuasive system features included in HIT interventions were examined. Interventions presented in the final 24 studies were designed to improve health outcomes such as self-efficacy, self-care, and physical activity among participants with a chronic health condition. Examples of health conditions include diabetes, COPD, and arthritis. Among the 24 studies, several persuasive features were commonly used to support positive outcomes; 12 reported success in all measured outcomes and 10 reported a mix of both positive and unsuccessful outcomes pertaining to improvements in healthier lifestyles, self-management, chronic disease knowledge, blood pressure, and daily functioning. Only two of the studies included in our systematic review found no improvement in health outcomes and experienced high attrition rates after implementation of the persuasive systems intervention. It is important to identify specific persuasive features within interventions. Further research is needed in specifying persuasive features within technology-based interventions to help healthcare professionals modify interventions to improve chronic disease outcomes for older populations.