Keywords

older adults, mHealth, mixed methods, exploratory sequential, user experience research, appointment scheduling

Abstract

This study examines the technology and appointment scheduling habits of older adults over the age of 55 through an exploratory sequential three phase mixed methods study. Phase One of this study examined features of ten existing mHealth applications through a qualitative content analysis, then a mHealth wireframe was developed from the app to replicate in addition to a redesigned version. Phase Two of the study was a thirty-four questions survey with 40 participants that inquired about their background with appointment scheduling, prior experience with technology, and demographics. After that, the mHealth applications were revised into two mHealth application prototypes. Lastly, Phase Three conducted a user test with the two mHealth prototypes through A/B testing with 15 participants. Findings from the survey showed the preferred method of scheduling an appointment among participants was primarily in-person or by phone. The user test revealed that some participants were willing to use a mHealth application to schedule an appointment if it was deemed easy to use. Recommendations for future research suggests that the iterative design process of a prototype with an underserved population would garner feedback inclusive of those older adults who are less tech savvy. The major contribution of this research was the development of the mHapps Framework which will be tested in a future study.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Stephens, Sonia

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Degree Program

Texts & Technology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028301

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028301

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

May 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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