E-Learning in Health: Investigation of Technology Acceptance and Usage of Family Physicians According to Demographic Factors

Abstract

E-learning is the changing and renewing face of education in health as in many fields. Developments in technology prepare a suitable environment for the realization of various structural changes in the continuing education of health professionals. Since e-learning provides asynchronous learning opportunities to health professionals working in different geographical regions, it provides various opportunities for the career development of health professionals. One of Turkey's most significant e-learning projects in the health field was carried out by the Family Medicine Distance Education Centre (AHUZEM). The e-learning project prepared for family physicians aimed to provide much more accessible, effective, and faster training for family physicians. This study aims to reveal family physicians' adoption of e-learning applications according to demographic factors. In the study, the Unified Technology Acceptance and Use Model (UTAUT) developed by Venkatesh et al. (2003) by examining many theories and models was used as a data collection tool. In addition, the author integrated the attitude towards technology use dimension consisting of 4 questions into the model by examining the relevant literature. In addition, the research was organized according to a 5-point Likert-type scale. The data was obtained from 429 family physicians who agreed to participate in the online survey shared on social networks nationwide by convenience sampling. The results obtained by entering the data into AMOS 18.0 program were analyzed in t-test and ANOVA tests. According to the results of the analyses, a significant difference was found in the intention to use e-learning and UTAUT according to age, specialty, working time, and e-learning experience. However, no significant difference was found according to gender.