Generational differences in acceptance of technology.

The twofold purpose of this study was to first determine if telemedicine would offer a time efficient use of faculty mentoring of students performing traditional history and physical examinations on elders residing in an independent living facility (ILF). The second purpose was to determine if differences exist between the two groups' perceptions of technology: from telemedicine to cell phones. Two groups consisting of two generations participated in a telemedicine distance mentoring study. One group included 25 elderly residing in an independent living facility (group 1). The second group was comprised of 25 physician assistant program (PA) students (group 2). Group 1 recognized the convenience telemedicine offered for easier access to doctors. Group 2 recognized that telemedicine could potentially improve time efficiency of their practice. Both groups were generally unaware and uninformed about the technological devices commonly used by the opposite group. Group 1 used technological devices for improving basic sensory, balance, and gait disorders as well as contributing to a sense of safety and security, whereas group 2 mostly utilized telecommunications technology. Both groups acquired knowledge of technological innovations that have a direct effect on their lives and both groups shared the same perceptions of telemedicine's positive influence on improving access to healthcare services both for users as well as providers.