Title data
Lockl, Jannik ; Schick, Doreen ; Stoetzer, Jens-Christian ; Huff, Katrin:
A Model to Assess the Impact of Digital Technologies on the Health-Related Quality of Life.
In: International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care.
Vol. 38
(2022)
Issue 1
.
- e81.
ISSN 1471-6348
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266462322003245
Project information
Project title: |
Project's official title Project's id Projektgruppe WI Digital Life No information Projektgruppe WI Digital Society No information |
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Abstract in another language
Objectives
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a vital instrument to account for individuals’ well-being in various settings. However, no model of HRQoL allows for examining the effect of digital technology on HRQoL. Therefore, we extend an established HRQoL model by adding a digital technology-related construct. We refer to this extension as the technology-affected health-related quality of life (TA-HRQoL).
Methods
We investigate the extended TA-HRQoL model through a survey. In the survey, we exemplify the use of digital technology through a device for self-managing bladder dysfunction. Hence, we explore whether the model extension proposed is valid and how determinants of the HRQoL affect patients with bladder dysfunction.
Results
The results indicate that the use of digital technology improves the HRQoL. In our exemplary use scenario, the digital technology decreases bladder-related functional impairments and increases well-being and life satisfaction directly.
Conclusion
Our study may provide evidence for the influence of digital technologies on the HRQoL, thus supporting our model extension. We consider our proposed TA-HRQoL model as valid and as useful to account for the influence of digital technology on an individual’s HRQoL. With the TA-HRQoL model, the impact of a digital technology on an individual’s HRQoL can be assessed.