The rapid advancement of healthcare technologies, including patient portals, has the potential to improve patient engagement and health outcomes, particularly among older adults. However, the adoption of patient portals among this demographic remains relatively low, primarily due to varying levels of eHealth literacy. The aim of this integrative review, guided by the Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework, was to investigate the experience of eHealth literacy and patient portal use among older adults. The databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published between 2017 and 2023. Keywords used included: eHealth literacy, patient portals, and older adults. Thirty records were identified, with 25 abstracts reviewed and sixteen full-text articles reviewed, of which five articles met criteria for inclusion in this review. A correlation was found between higher eHealth literacy and increased patient portal usage among older adults. Barriers included limited digital skills, lack of internet access, and concerns about privacy, particularly among those with lower eHealth literacy. Interventions such as digital literacy training, simplified user interfaces, and hands-on support from healthcare providers were identified as key facilitators of portal adoption. Enhancing eHealth literacy is critical for increasing patient portal use among older adults, reducing healthcare disparities, and promoting patient engagement. Nurses play a vital role in supporting digital health literacy, ensuring equitable access to healthcare technologies
↧