E-health for the future. Managerial perspectives using a multiple case study approach

Abstract

Digital transformation is increasing the number of tools available to the healthcare sector for innovative patient management. These include telemedicine, which extends the boundaries of care and creates new opportunities for relationships between patients and physicians. Despite widespread enthusiasm, at the heart of the process of recognizing these innovations is the patient. Consequently, understanding those variables and acceptance factors that promote good telemedicine practices is crucial. Using a qualitative research approach and relying on multiple case studies, our research demonstrates the role of telemedicine as a vehicle for social impact and translation of medical knowledge. Furthermore, by testing the technology acceptance model with the selected case studies, we find that telemedicine projects should include critical variables such as social influence, facilitating conditions, trust between physicians and patients, privacy, perceived risk technology anxiety, and resistance towards technology. Only by understanding and correctly designing acceptance factors, it will be possible to promote positive telemedicine experiences and obtain the proper cooperation from patients. Although pieces of research aim to have theoretical implications, we like to think that these results are intended for policy-makers, health care managers, medical doctors and nurses who aim to introduce technological advances in health care.