Telecare for the elderly: coercion, confidence and satisfaction associated with its use

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the expression of coercion, confidence and satisfaction with the use of telecare. Method: a cross-sectional study was carried out of prevalent cases with elderly residents in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, who had already used telecare services. The sociodemographic variables used were: gender, age, schooling and marital status. In order to evaluate the perception of coercion, the Perceived Coercion Scale was applied in relation to the use of telecare and those responsible for deciding to use the technology. Confidence in the use of telecare technology and the satisfaction associated with its use were evaluated. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical measures. Means and standard deviations were used. Differences were assessed by analysis of variance, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: the sample consisted of 25 elderly people who used telecare. When evaluating the distribution of the answers obtained, it was found that 11 (44%) of those interviewed did not perceive any coercion associated with their decision. The others had varying perceptions, with an average of 23%. Respondents expressed high confidence and satisfaction with telecare. Conclusion: the decision-making process associated with the use of telecare had a low perception of coercion, combined with high confidence and satisfaction with the use of the technology.