Technology Readiness And Technology Acceptance: Exploring Healthcare Professionals' Intention To Use Telemedicine In Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is among the countries that have undergone significant transformations as part of integrating health information into its healthcare system. Healthcare professionals' tasks and responsibilities have changed due to the digitalization of the industry. Telemedicine is an interactive technology-driven platform designed to facilitate medical interactions between two healthcare entities, healthcare providers, healthcare professionals, and patients. This interaction occurs remotely, overcoming geographical barriers. Through technology, telemedicine combines the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of health-related information and communication. The knowledge, competence, attitudes, and working environment of experts in the health organization are only a few variables that affect how well new technology works. There has not been much study done recently using TRAM to look at the choices made by medical practitioners regarding telemedicine. In order to gain a more profound understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine among healthcare professionals in Malaysia, this research seeks to examine their readiness and acceptance of adopting technology. The study will delve into the correlation between Technology Readiness (TR) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), with the inclusion of Perceived Digital Competence (PDC) as an additional variable. Moreover, the study will investigate the potential moderating role of demographic factors, including age, gender, and education, in these relationships. The theoretical significance of this research allows the researchers to bridge existing gaps in the literature, offering a more profound insight into the characteristics displayed by healthcare professionals and their inclinations toward adopting telemedicine. In the current pandemic and fiercely competitive business environment, the study's practical significance may help healthcare professionals better understand their lived experiences with digital health competence and increase their intention to use telemedicine to provide limitless and borderless teleconsultations.