Abstract
BackgroundE-health technology applications are essential tools of modern information technology that improve quality of healthcare delivery in hospitals of both developed and developing countries. However, despite its positive benefits, studies indicate that the rate of the e-health adoption in some developing countries is either low or underutilized. This is due in part, to barriers such as resistance from healthcare professionals, poor infrastructure, and low technical expertise among others.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate, identify and analyze the underlying factors that affect healthcare professionals decision to adopt and use e-health technology applications in developing countries, with particular reference to hospitals in Nigeria.MethodsThe study used a cross sectional approach in the form of a close-ended questionnaire to collect quantitative data from a sample of 465 healthcare professionals randomly selected from 15 hospitals in Nigeria. We used the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the dependent variable and external factors as independent variables. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS statistical analysis such as frequency test, reliability analysis, and correlation coefficient analysis.ResultsThe results obtained, which correspond with findings from other researches published, indicate that perceived usefulness, belief, willingness, as well as attitude of healthcare professionals have significant influence on their intention to adopt and use the e-health technology applications. Other strategic factors identified include low literacy level and experience in using the e-health technology applications, lack of motivation, poor organizational and management policies.ConclusionThe study contributes to the literature by pinpointing significant areas where findings can positively affect, or be found useful by, healthcare policy decision makers in Nigeria and other developing countries. This can help them understand their areas of priorities and weaknesses when planning for e-health technology adoption and implementation.
Highlights
Background of the studyOver the past few decades, the field of e-health technology has witnessed significant development worldwide (Luna et al, 2014)
The findings showed that e-health tools such as telemedicine, m-health, bar code technology, radio frequency identification, and clinical decision support systems, picture archiving & communication system significantly improve patient safety, dietary management, and document management, which generally improve the quality of healthcare services delivered to the patients
This study focuses on the factors affecting e-health technology adoption and utilization from the viewpoint of healthcare professionals in Nigeria
Summary
Background of the studyOver the past few decades, the field of e-health technology has witnessed significant development worldwide (Luna et al, 2014). In most developed countries of the world, there is enormous investment of resources into acquiring the latest e-health tools and applications as a way of providing the most effective and efficient healthcare services for their citizens These healthcare services include sharing of health information with relative ease, improvement of interaction between healthcare professionals and their patients, making access to the best healthcare services and expertise to poor and remote rural communities of a country (Marques et al, 2011). The aim of this study is to investigate, identify and analyze the underlying factors that affect healthcare professionals decision to adopt and use e-health technology applications in developing countries, with particular reference to hospitals in Nigeria. The study contributes to the literature by pinpointing significant areas where findings can positively affect, or be found useful by, healthcare policy decision makers in Nigeria and other developing countries This can help them understand their areas of priorities and weaknesses when planning for e-health technology adoption and implementation
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