This study aims to investigate differences in perception of barriers and facilitators of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in healthcare across different generational groups (youth, working-age adults, and seniors). The results will help create practical recommendations for public health projects and consultants to support fair and inclusive use of new digital tools in healthcare. A cross-sectional online survey will be conducted among students at HAW, patients and employees in the rehabilitation center in Oldenburg, and seniors participating in the "Digital im Alter"(DIA) project.
Age 18 or older
Belonging to one of the defined participant groups
Consent to participate in the online survey
Ability to participate in the survey (e.g., sufficient German or English language skills)
Individuals under 18
Inability to give informed consent
Illiteracy
The study population is chosen in a way that the cohorts can cover all three generations required for the comparative study. Therefore, the cohorts in this study are: * Students at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. * Seniors participating in "Digital in Old Age" training courses. * Patients and employees at a rehabilitation center in Oldenburg.
Cohort
Cross-sectional
Not listed
Trust in digitalization and AI in healthcare
* Measured with the adapted Human-Computer Trust Scale (HCTS). Total scores are calculated by summing ten items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), resulting in a minimum possible score of 10 and a maximum of 50. Higher scores indicate a greater level of trust in the computer system or AI. * Comparison across generational groups (youth, working-age adults, seniors).
Perceived barriers to adoption of AI and digitalization in healthcare
* Measured with 5 Likert-scale items (accuracy, privacy and security, lack of human contact, ethics, lack of knowledge). Each item is rated from 1 = no concern to 5 = very strong concern. * Open-ended question: "What is your biggest concern about AI and digital technologies in healthcare and why?" * Comparison across generational groups (youths, working-age adults, seniors). Analysis of universal and generation-specific barriers.
Perceived facilitators to the adoption of AI and digitalization in healthcare
* Measured with 6 Likert-scale items (clear explanations, regulation, professional review, transparent data use, training, success stories). Each item is rated from 1 = not effective to 5 = very effective. * Open-ended question: "What would help you personally to trust in digital technologies and AI in healthcare?" * Comparison across generational groups (youths, working-age adults, seniors). Analysis of universal and generation-specific facilitators.
eHealth literacy and digital skills
* Measured with the eHEALS (The eHealth Literacy Scale). Total scores are calculated by summing eight items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), resulting in a minimum possible score of 8 and a maximum of 40. Higher scores indicate better perceived eHealth literacy. * Descriptive analysis and role as a potential moderator of trust and acceptance across generational groups.
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Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH
Lead sponsor
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences/Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg (HAW Hamburg)
Collaborator
