ObjectiveUtilising digital health services in the treatment of patients who frequently
attend outpatient care could be beneficial for patients’ health and the
sustainability of health systems but carries the risk of digital exclusion.
This study aimed to explore the patterns of acceptance and use of digital
health services among frequent attenders (FAs), which may help in the
assessment of patients’ digital suitability.MethodsPersistent FAs (N= 30) were recruited by random sampling
from one Finnish municipality. The semistructured interviews were conducted
in February–May 2021. We analysed the data with qualitative content analysis
using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model.
Additionally, we quantified the data for two-step cluster analyses to create
separate cluster models that grouped FAs based on acceptance and use of (a)
digital services for self-management of health and (b) telemedicine
services.ResultsBased on digital self-management, FAs were defined asSelf-Managers,Supported
Self-Managers, andNon-Self-Managers. Based on
telemedicine use, they were grouped intoTelemedicine
Users,Doubtful Telemedicine Users, andTelemedicine Refusers. The clusters described different
opportunities, awareness, and interest in using digital health services.
Referral from professionals seemed to promote digital service use. For some,
digital services were not accessible.ConclusionsOur findings emphasise the importance of assessing the suitability of FAs to
digital health services, as their readiness to use may vary. Professionals
should recommend digital services that support individual health to suitable
patients. More accessible digital services could promote digital suitability
despite functional limitations.