Title : Factors associated with technology self-efficacy in home care aides in WA, USA
Abstract:
Purpose: As digital health has been dramatically growing since the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workforces’ capability to access and use technology tools matters to provide better service for their clients. This study aims to examine factors on technology self-efficacy for the long-term-care workforce, especially Home Care Aides (HCAs) working in Washington State, United States. HCAs are essential healthcare professionals who assist older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and are in high demand due to the increasing aging population in the United States. Examining factors affecting technology selfefficacy in this workforce would help develop policies to improve their workforce success as well as efficient service delivery for their clients.
Methods: The self-reported survey was conducted online, by phone call, and by mail, provided in four languages (English, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese). A regression was conducted to examine associated factors of technology self-efficacy.
Results: The technology self-efficacy was significantly higher for the English proficient group compared to Limited English groups; younger age; Bachelor’s degrees and Advanced degrees compared to high school graduates; men compared to women; those with higher annual income of $30,000 compared to those with an annual income of less than $29,999; those who reported themselves as White compared to non-White; Asian compared to non-Asian; Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) compared to non-NHPI; and Hispanic/Latino compared to non-Hispanic/Latino.
Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors including education, income, age, race/ethnicity, and English proficiency are significantly associated with technology self-efficacy. These findings suggest that social inclusion and cultural competency could play a pivotal role in developing digital programs and services for long-term-care workers, and that some social identity groups could benefit from additional support in accessing online services such as training or other online benefits.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Understanding long-term-care workforce’s technology self-efficacy that could be critical to workforce development
- Providing insights to study technology self-efficacy for other healthcare professionals for effective workforce development
- Providing insights to improve workforce development in long-term care settings
