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Digital Health Adoption in Laboratory Services in Libya: Patient and Staff Perspectives Using an Extended UTAUT
Haythem Nakkas1,2, Val Adamescu1, Abdul Rehman Gilal2
1School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|May 23, 2026
Summary
Digital laboratory results in Libya are limited, with adoption hindered by infrastructure and support, not willingness. Improving power, software, and confidentiality is key for patient-centred digital health services.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Digital Health Adoption
- Laboratory Services
Background:
- Digitalization of laboratory services aims to reduce patient delays and improve communication.
- Limited and uneven digital access to laboratory results in Libya presents a significant challenge.
- Patient and staff perspectives on digital tool adoption are crucial for understanding barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the adoption of digital tools in Libyan laboratory services from patient and staff viewpoints.
- To utilize an extended UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) framework, incorporating trust, cost, literacy, culture, and infrastructure stability.
- To identify key factors influencing the successful implementation of digital laboratory result delivery.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed.
- Surveys were administered to patients (digital and non-digital recipients) and 174 laboratory staff in public and private facilities.
- Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative free-text responses underwent thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Only approximately 25% of patients received digital results, despite widespread smartphone/internet access.
- Patients desired faster access and fewer visits but worried about privacy, data costs, and lack of clinical explanation.
- Staff reported fragmented digitization, poor system integration, power outages, unstable connectivity, inadequate training, and unclear result release responsibilities.
Conclusions:
- Adoption of digital laboratory results is constrained by reliability, support, and governance rather than user willingness.
- Addressing power stability, standardizing software, and ensuring confidentiality are essential for safe, patient-centered digital result delivery.
- Integrating patient expectations with staff capacity, informed by context-specific factors, is vital for successful digital health implementation.
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