Exploring Telemedicine Usage Intention Using Technology Acceptance Model and Social Capital Theory.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Technology Adoption
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telemedicine is crucial for improving healthcare access and efficiency.
• Understanding factors influencing healthcare professionals' adoption is vital for successful implementation.
• The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) provides a framework for studying technology acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing telemedicine technology acceptance among Taiwanese healthcare professionals.
• To examine the role of perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience.
• To explore the moderating effect of age on the intention to use telemedicine.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative research approach utilizing a survey.
• Instrument adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model.
• Data collected from 325 healthcare professionals across various medical fields in Taiwan.

Main Results:

• Perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience significantly predict intention to use telemedicine.
• Age was found to moderate the relationship between perceived usefulness and usage intention.
• Findings support the UTAUT model and offer practical insights into telemedicine adoption.

Conclusions:

• Technological and social factors are key drivers for telemedicine adoption among healthcare professionals.
• Tailoring implementation strategies based on user perceptions and demographics, like age, is recommended.
• Policy development should focus on enhancing perceived usefulness and ease of use to promote telemedicine integration.