Factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine in the Philippines

Abstract

The utilization of telemedicine has shown to increase access to healthcare services and bridge gaps in existing healthcare system issues. Despite these benefits, the technology is not currently widely accepted nor utilized in the Philippines, notwithstanding its worldwide recognition as a reliable alternative to face-to-face consultations. Issues regarding the slow utilization among Filipinos of telemedicine significantly affect its implementation. This study aimed to measure significant factors affecting the Philippines' behavioral adaptability of telemedicine application among Filipino users, through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model. A total of 533 Filipinos voluntarily answered a self-administered questionnaire for 11 variables. Structural equation modeling and deep learning neural network approach showed that usage behavior (UB) was the key factor in determining user intention to use telemedicine, subsequently leading to perceived user adoption. In addition, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, social influence, and resistance to use was found to have a significant effect on UB. This study is the first study on Filipinos’ behavioral perception and acceptance of telemedicine. The findings of this study would be beneficial to researchers and the government—specifically the health sector in the Philippines for the implementation and promotion of telemedicine. The findings of this study could be adopted in technology acceptance in healthcare services among developing countries.