The adoption of e-health services: Comprehensive analysis of the adoption setting from the user׳s perspective

Abstract

ObjectivesE-health services have been shown to be effective measures to reduce costs and improve the quality in the public health sector. However, no broad knowledge exists about the adoption setting of e-health services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the adoption decision of e-health services from the user׳s perspective. MethodsA qualitative study of (potential) users׳ adoption decision based on tape recorded semi-structured interviews was conducted with (potential) users of e-health services (n=42) in Germany and Switzerland. ResultsA comprehensive approach of the adoption setting for e-health services was derived from the data. Five main categories of determinants on the adoption decision were identified: service-, adopter-, environment-, physician- and funding-related drivers. Furthermore, a general interest in health, a health need and the desire for saving costs were identified as main triggers of the decision-making process. Finally, the (potential) user׳s technology readiness and health literacy had an influence on the future adoption decision. ConclusionsThe results of this study broaden the knowledge about the relevant determinants concerning the adoption setting of e-health services. Therefore, they are intended to initially assist the adoption decision and in a following step to support the dissemination of the advantageous e-health services for the public health sector. As the analysis is primarily qualitative, the results nevertheless need to be supported by a quantitative analysis.