Objective: This paper aims to analyze the current situation and demand of “Internet + medical” services of the elderly in China, and to provide a reference for helping the elderly group to better use “Internet + medical” services.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 elderly people using the self-made “Internet + medical” service usage questionnaire and usage demand questionnaire for the elderly.
Results: The utilization rate of “Internet + medical” service was low (31.1%). Age, education level, and personal monthly income are the factors affecting the current use of “Internet + medical”services for the elderly ( P＜0.05). The elderly have a high demand for “Internet + medical” services, with the top three ranking in demand for disease and treatment-related information (M=3.29), knowledge of health and nutrition care (M=3.28), and appointment registration (M=3.24). The relatively low demand was participation in online telemedicine treatment (M=2.71), online telemedicine consultation (M=2.75), and online prescribing (M=2.76).
Conclusion: The elderly in China to “Internet + medical” service utilization rate is low, but the use demand is higher. “Internet + medical” service in the elderly application is affected by a variety of factors. Therefore,we should increase publicity, development of aging operation platform, improve the elderly group to the use of “Internet + medical” service.