Physiotherapists' and Physiotherapy Students' Perspectives on the Use of Mobile or Wearable Technology in Their Practice.

Abstract

Purpose: Although extensive research has been carried out on the determinants of mobile or wearable health care technology (mHealth), as well as on its acceptance by patients and other health care providers, very little research has been done on physiotherapists' perspectives on the use of mHealth in their current or future practice. The aims of this study were to (1) explore the attitudes of physiotherapists toward mHealth using a modified technology acceptance model questionnaire, (2) understand the applications and delivery paradigms that are most desirable, and (3) assess the content validity of the questionnaire. Method: The questionnaire was administered online. Participants (n=76) were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using factor analysis and partial least-squares path modelling. Results: Results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were related to early adoptive behaviour among participants. We found no evidence that age, gender, experience, or practice setting influenced early adoptive behaviour. Participants demonstrated favourable attitudes toward mHealth tools in clinical practice. Conclusions: This article provides initial insights into factors that are likely to be significant determinants of adoption of mHealth among physiotherapists. Further work, including qualitative research, will help to identify personal and institutional factors that will improve the acceptance of mHealth.