Beyond TAM and UTAUT: Future directions for HIT implementation research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Health Information Technology (HIT) Research

Background:

• The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) are prevalent in health information technology (HIT) studies.
• These models face criticism for oversimplification and a narrow focus on individual user perceptions.
• Their extensive use has led to diminishing returns in advancing knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss criticisms of TAM and UTAUT in the context of HIT implementation.
• To advocate for a shift towards multi-dimensional approaches in biomedical informatics research.
• To propose future research directions for better understanding HIT adoption and use.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and critical analysis of existing theoretical frameworks.
• Discussion of limitations of TAM and UTAUT.
• Proposal of alternative, multi-dimensional theoretical perspectives.

Main Results:

• TAM and UTAUT offer limited perspectives on the complexity of HIT implementation.
• A plateau in knowledge contribution from TAM and UTAUT has been reached.
• Multi-dimensional approaches are better suited to capture the intricacies of HIT adoption.

Conclusions:

• Biomedical informatics research requires a move beyond simplistic models like TAM and UTAUT.
• Adopting multi-dimensional frameworks will enhance the understanding of HIT implementation and use.
• Future research should focus on more comprehensive theoretical approaches to address complex HIT challenges.