Digital Health Access and Use Among Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Rhinology Center.

Abstract

Digital tools in healthcare are rapidly expanding, but access and readiness remain concerns. We assessed digital health access, interest, and factors associated with higher readiness using these tools among patients at a tertiary rhinology center. Prospective study. Single, academic center. Patients presenting between February and October 2024 completed the Digital Health Readiness Questionnaire (DHRQ: range: 15-75) to evaluate digital access, use, and motivation. Demographics and types of digital device use were collected. Multivariate linear regression, directed by manual stepwise forward selection and backwards elimination (P < .100) procedures, was used to model independent predictors of high DHRQ scores. A total of 100 subjects were included (mean age: 57.9 [±16.1 years]). Overall, 66% of subjects felt that learning digital skills could positively impact their health. Final adjusted modeling found that age was inversely associated with DHRQ scores (per 1-year increase: β = -0.7; SE = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.2-0.01; P = .093), whereas daily smartphone use (β = 10.5; SE = 2.3; 95% CI: 5.9-15.1; P < .001), wearable device use (β = 7.3; SE = 1.5; 95% CI: 4.4-10.2; P < .001), daily computer/laptop use (β = 4.8; SE = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.6-7.9; P = .004) and female sex (β = 3.5; SE = 1.5; 95% CI: 0.9-6.7; P = .011) were associated with greater digital health readiness (higher DHRQ scores). Subjects presenting to a tertiary rhinology center exhibited strong digital health interest, with female sex and greater technology engagement reflecting greater readiness to integrate these tools. Digital health literacy screening and targeted skills-building may help close readiness gaps and facilitate integration of digital tools into care.