Wearable Devices in Elderly Chronic Disease Management: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Facilitators.

Aim: To explore the perceptions of elderly patients with chronic diseases and their healthcare providers on the use of wearable devices for home health monitoring, identifying barriers and facilitators to their effective adoption in China's rapidly aging population. Background: As China's population ages, managing chronic diseases among elderly patients has become increasingly complex. Wearable health monitoring devices offer a promising solution, enabling remote and continuous health tracking. However, the adoption of these devices remains limited, particularly among elderly patients. Understanding the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers is crucial for optimizing wearable device use in chronic disease management. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Method: From May 2023 to March 2024, semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 elderly patients and 11 healthcare providers in Nanjing, China. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step method, generating key themes that address both the challenges and opportunities in adopting wearable health technologies. Findings: Seven major themes emerged: (1) Technology Acceptance and Motivation, (2) Changes in Social Support and Interaction, (3) Adjustments in Healthcare Work Modes, (4) Barriers and Risks in Technology Application, (5) Device Compliance and Knowledge Gaps, (6) Identifying Key Features for Quality Assessment of Wearable Devices, and (7) The Role of Customization and Adaptability. While the potential benefits of wearable devices for chronic disease management were widely recognized, concerns about complexity, cost, and data security were key obstacles. Conclusion: Wearable devices hold significant potential for improving the management of chronic diseases among elderly patients, yet multiple barriers hinder their widespread adoption. Addressing issues related to usability, privacy, and affordability, alongside providing education and policy support, will be critical to enhancing their integration into healthcare settings. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: This study underscores the importance of creating targeted strategies to overcome the challenges in using wearable health devices among elderly patients. Healthcare providers and policymakers should focus on simplifying technology, enhancing patient education, and addressing privacy concerns to foster broader acceptance and use of these devices in chronic disease care. Impact: By promoting the adoption of wearable health technologies, healthcare systems can improve chronic disease management outcomes for elderly patients, reduce the burden on healthcare services, and support a more patient-centered approach to care. Patient or Public Contribution: Elderly patients with chronic diseases and their healthcare providers contributed valuable insights by sharing their experiences with wearable health monitoring devices, shaping the study's findings.