Investigating acceptance of telemedicine services through an extended technology acceptance model (TAM). (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamal, Syeda Ayesha; Shafiq, Muhammad; Kakria, Priyanka
• Is Part Of: Technology in society. Volume 60(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Telemedicine -- Technology acceptance -- Usage intention -- TAM -- Developing countries -- PLS; Technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 303.483
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-791X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Developing countries around the globe are striving continuously to provide free access to health care services. Telemedicine services represent a significantly increasing form of an adequate health care delivery mechanism in developing countries. Research objective: This research study was aimed at investigating the factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine services among the rural population of Pakistan. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as a theoretical framework for this research, with the inclusion of several other antecedents. Research method: A face-to-face survey method was used to collect research data from 275 participants. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. Results: The findings suggest that usage intention of telemedicine services is a function of perceived ease of use, technological anxiety, social influence, perceived ease of usefulness, trust, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, and resistance to technology. Conclusions: This research study confirms the applicability of TAM with the inclusion of additional variables to model the adoption of telemedicine services in developing countries. The study offers valuable information for policymakers and health service providers for understanding the facilitators and inhibitors influencing the large scale implementation of telemedicine services. The research findings regarding factors including perceived risk, trust, facilitating conditions and resistance to change can aid in the design and adequate provision of telemedicine services in developing countries. Highlights: We investigate factors influencing usage intention of rural patients towards Telemedicine services. We propose a research model based on Technology Acceptance Model with inclusion of additional constructs. PEOU, PU, social influence, and facilitating conditions positively influence behavioral intentions towards telemedicine. Technological anxiety and perceived risk negatively influence behavioral intentions towards telemedicine services.