Users' experiences of digital health solutions in interventions related to physical activity among older adults and people with chronic conditions - a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review sought to explore the scope of qualitative research on user experiences with digital health solutions (DHSs) in physical activity (PA) interventions for older adults and people living with chronic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review followed the five stages outlined by Arksey and O'Malley. Articles were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL, focusing on four key concepts: physical activity/exercise, eHealth, experience, and qualitative research. RESULTS: A total of 12 886 articles were screened for title and abstract, 208 were screened for full text and 49 studies were included. Overall, studies reported positive experiences with the use of DHSs for interventions to promote PA. However, the analysis revealed eight themes that nuanced several aspects of user experiences: 1) Challenges and tensions in the use of DHSs, 2) The essential need for individualisation, 3) Everyday life and digital interventions challenged by competing priorities, 4) Mixed feelings about quantifying and monitoring physical activity, 5) Accountability and duty-driven engagement, 6) Appreciation of social and emotional support from health care professionals, 7) The value of connectivity, support and social interaction with peers and family members, and 8) The complexity of competing and comparing. CONCLUSION: Generally, user experiences with DHSs in interventions related to PA were positive, particularly when individualisation and relational support were present. Social interaction further enhanced engagement, while monitoring elicited mixed responses. The findings underline the importance of digitally supported interventions that reflect these nuanced experiences while balancing everyday contexts, and the need for personalisation and support.