Technology Acceptance Model in Medical Education: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Informatics
• Educational Technology

Background:

• The integration of technology in medical education necessitates frameworks to assess user acceptance.
• The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides a robust theoretical basis for understanding technology adoption determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize research employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) within medical education.
• To identify trends, methodologies, and applications of TAM in evaluating technology acceptance among learners and educators.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed in February 2024 across major databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science) following PRISMA guidelines.
• Initial search yielded 680 articles; 39 were retained after duplicate removal and exclusion criteria application.
• Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument for qualitative components.

Main Results:

• Research on TAM in medical education began in 2010, with a notable increase post-2016.
• Quantitative studies predominantly used TAM as a survey instrument, while qualitative research utilized it as a framework.
• E-learning and mobile learning were common interventions, with emerging interest in AR, VR, and 3D printing.

Conclusions:

• Scholarly engagement with TAM in medical education is expanding.
• TAM is versatile, applicable as both a quantitative survey tool and a qualitative research framework.
• This review establishes a foundation for future research on technology acceptance factors in medical education.