Hospital doctors' attitudes to the adoption, implementation and utilisation of digital virtual consultations

The digitalisation of healthcare has introduced virtual consultations as a means of improving accessibility and efficiency. However, the adoption of this technology among hospital doctors remains slow due to concerns about patient safety, quality of care, usability, and medico-legal implications.

This study examines hospital doctors' perceptions of digital virtual consultations, identifying key factors influencing their acceptance and implementation.

A structured survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) was distributed to 886 hospital doctors in a tertiary hospital in Malta. A total of 133 responses were received (15% response rate), with 67% of respondents completing the full questionnaire. The survey measured key variables such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, job relevance and behavioural intention. Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, Friedman's test and ANOVA to explore significant relationships among variables.

The findings suggest that while doctors acknowledge virtual consultations as beneficial adjuncts to face-to-face consultations, concerns persist regarding technological infrastructure, usability and cost-effectiveness. Job relevance (p = 0.028) and perceived external control were significant predictors of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Behavioural intention was most strongly influenced by perceived usefulness (p < 0.001). Despite the insights offered, the 15% response rate may introduce non-response bias, limiting the generalisability of findings across the wider population of hospital doctors.

To enhance adoption, healthcare systems must invest in infrastructure, training, and policy frameworks. Conducting feasibility and cost-effectiveness studies, coupled with stakeholder engagement, will be essential for successful implementation.