Physicians' adoption of information technology: a consumer behavior approach

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Information Technology
• Physician Behavior

Background:

• Physician resistance to information technology (IT) hinders medical practice advancement.
• Suspected reasons include inadequate training, technophobia, altered doctor-patient dynamics, and medico-legal concerns.
• Empirical research points to age, personality, behavior, and occupational factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reasons behind physicians' reluctance to adopt IT.
• To analyze the factors influencing the acceptance, adoption, and application of IT by physicians.
• To bridge the gap between IT literature and consumer behavior studies regarding physician adoption.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating information technology and consumer behavior research.
• Analysis of existing empirical studies on physician IT adoption barriers.
• Synthesis of anecdotal evidence and research findings.

Main Results:

• Multiple factors contribute to physician IT resistance, including individual characteristics and professional context.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for successful IT implementation in healthcare.
• The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach considering both technological and human elements.

Conclusions:

• Physician acceptance and adoption of IT are complex, influenced by a combination of personal, professional, and technological factors.
• Addressing training, perceived risks, and the doctor-patient relationship is key to overcoming resistance.
• Further research integrating behavioral science can optimize IT integration in medicine.