The characteristics of users and non‐users of a kiosk information system

Touch‐screen kiosks are located in a variety of locations to provide the public with ready access to health information. This paper examines, via a questionnaire, the characteristics of adult users of a surgery‐based kiosk. The Esk Medical Centre is in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh. Just under 200 questionnaires were returned and analysed. The research establishes characteristics of users and non‐users, how the kiosk fits in with other consumer information sources, what health outcomes result from using the kiosk, and reasons for non‐use. The main finding is that the respondents’ attitude and previous experience with information technology has an impact on whether the touch‐screen kiosk is used.