Health Information Technology Acceptance Research Articles

The impact of trust, comfortability, usability and technophobia factors on acceptance of health information technology

In the contemporary landscape of healthcare, the rapid integration of digital technologies is reshaping traditional practices. As healthcare systems increasingly embrace digitalization, there arises a critical need to comprehend the dynamic and ever-evolving role played by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Amidst the rapid digitization of healthcare systems, understanding the evolving role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is paramount. This study explores the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on healthcare, with a focus on Health Information Technology (HIT) and its role in enhancing patient-centered care. Specifically, the research centers on Personal Health Records (PHRs), which empower patients to control their health information securely. The study aims to identify key features influencing patients’ behavioral intention to adopt HIT, utilizing a structured questionnaire and a conceptual framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Feature selection analysis, conducted using the Weka tool, employed various classifiers to predict users’ perceptions and behavioral intentions towards HIT adoption. Results highlight the significance of trust, comfort, usefulness, and technophobia in shaping patients’ acceptance of HIT, with Random Forest and Bayes Net classifiers emerging as key predictors. This research provides valuable insights into the critical factors driving patients’ acceptance of HIT, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the adoption of healthcare technologies.

Global Perspective on EMR and eHealth

A goal of this exploratory study was to uncover the attitudes of the public towards health information technology (HIT) during a health crisis (COVID-19 pandemic). A socio-technical network formed by EMR/eHealth, COVID-19, and the tweeters was investigated using the Actor-Network-Theory (ANT) to understand global perspectives on healthcare technology, taking into account the human dimension and social reality in technology. Social Media (SM) analytics was used to mine HIT-related tweets from the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that positivity, trust, and anticipation are the three most significant emotions associated with electronic medical records (EMR) and eHealth from the tweets. Our analysis found an acceptance of HIT by the global public and optimism for its role in information dissemination, control and containment, and public health improvement. The ANT analysis reveals a virtual coalition building that occurred through discussions among notable network actors, and the role of crowdsourcing in disseminating digital health information.

Perspectives and Needs of Malaysian Patients With Diabetes for a Mobile Health App Support on Self-Management of Diabetes: Qualitative Study.

Effective self-management of diabetes is crucial for improving clinical outcomes by maintaining glucose levels and preventing the exacerbation of the condition. Mobile health (mHealth) has demonstrated its significance in enhancing self-management practices. However, only 20% of Malaysians are familiar with mHealth technologies and use them for health management. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits and challenges, needs and preferences, and willingness of patients with diabetes to use mHealth apps for self-management of diabetes. The study involved one-on-one semistructured online interviews with a total of 15 participants, all of whom were aged 18 years or older and had been diagnosed with diabetes for more than 6 months. An interview guide was developed based on the constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM), and the aesthetics factor derived from the Mobile Application Rating Scale. All interviews were recorded in audio format and transcribed verbatim. The interview content was then organized and coded using ATLAS.ti version 8. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with the recommended guidelines for analyzing the data. From the interviews with participants, 3 key themes emerged regarding the perceived benefits of using mHealth app support in diabetes self-management. These themes were the ability to track and monitor diabetes control, assistance in making lifestyle modifications, and the facilitation of more informed treatment decision-making for health care professionals. The interviews with participants revealed 4 prominent themes regarding the perceived barriers to using mHealth app support for diabetes self-management. These themes were a lack of awareness about the availability of mHealth support, insufficient support in using mHealth apps, the perception that current mHealth apps do not align with users' specific needs, and limited digital literacy among users. The interviews with participants unveiled 4 key themes related to their needs and preferences concerning mHealth app support for diabetes self-management. These themes were the desire for educational information, user-friendly design features, carbohydrate-counting functionality, and the ability to engage socially with both peers and health care professionals. The majority of participants expressed their willingness to use mHealth apps if they received recommendations and guidance from health care professionals. Patients generally perceive mHealth app support as beneficial for diabetes self-management and are willing to use these apps, particularly if recommended by health care professionals. However, several barriers may hinder the utilization of mHealth apps, including a lack of awareness and recommendations regarding these apps from health care professionals. To ensure the effective development of mHealth app support systems for diabetes self-management, it is crucial to implement user-centered design processes that consider the specific needs and preferences of patients. This approach will help create apps that are tailored to the requirements of individuals managing diabetes.

Patients' perspectives on video consultation for non-communicable diseases: a qualitative study in Singapore.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of telemedicine in primary care services. Understanding patients' perspectives on telemedicine is pivotal for its wider adoption in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community. To explore the views and concerns of patients who have yet to use video consultation (VC) for NCD management in Singapore. This qualitative study was conducted in a primary care clinic in Singapore. In total, 16 patients participated in individual in-depth interviews. The participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia without prior VC experience. They were purposively enrolled in the polyclinic. Audited transcripts were independently coded by two investigators. Thematic analysis was performed to identify perspectives on telemedicine based on the health, information, and technology zones of the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model. The following three themes emerged: perceived benefits of VC utility; perceived barriers of VC adoption; and potential challenges of VC. Participants viewed VC as safe and convenient if they had stable NCD. They voiced concerns on possible suboptimal care owing to the absence of physical examination, network connectivity, and personal medical data security. Participants highlighted challenges of VC uptake such as digital health familiarity, availability of their own mobile and telemonitoring devices, and healthcare costs consideration. Addressing the concerns and challenges highlighted by non-VC users can help physicians and policymakers explore ways to scale up telemedicine in Singapore. A hybrid clinical care model comprising in-person visits and VC may be the way forward for NCD management.

Perceived technology use, attitudes, and barriers among primary care nurses.

In primary healthcare, health information technology has the potential to facilitate the delivery of healthcare services by improving quality of care, efficiency and patient safety. However, little is known about the uptake and technology acceptance among primary healthcare nurses. The aim of this study was to describe health information technology acceptance and use among primary healthcare nurses. Primary healthcare centres in the Western Cape. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted with a sample of 160 nurses working in primary healthcare for more than 6 months, using a self-administered questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model constructs. Eighteen primary healthcare centres were randomly selected with a sample of 160 using nonprobability purposive sampling. Ninety-three (58.1%) respondents completed the survey. Three-quarters of the respondents reported positive attitudes, positive perceptions of usefulness and ease of use towards the use of health information technology. Barriers of access and training were reported by 75%, with around half the respondents reporting poor computer and information accessing skills. Health information technology use was varied, with high ratings for seeking and using and low ratings of ability to use health information technology for patient administration and management. Health information technology use was predicted by perceptions of ease of use. This research presents a mixed picture of acceptance of technology among primary healthcare nurses and highlights the lack of access to computers and Internet in these settings. This study contributes to the field of technology acceptance among primary healthcare nurses.

Exploring physicians’ continuous use of clinical decision support systems

ABSTRACT Today, studying continuous clinical decision support system (CDSS) use is critical as continuity is a prerequisite to sustaining successful CDSS implementations. Previous health information technology (HIT) research has focused on HIT acceptance via information system-related constructs. Theoretical models explaining HIT use are limited and obfuscated other phases of HIT, such as continuous use in a clinical context. This study seeks to fill this gap by integrating context-related factors with IS factors in a theoretical framework that explains the antecedents of continuous use. To validate this model, data were collected from physicians after six months of using CDSS as well as system usage data from system logs. Threats to physician professional identity surpassed the intention to continue using CDSS, influencing its use by physicians in the first six months, and patients affected by the system influenced physician satisfaction with the system and, hence, their use of the system. This study reveals physicians’ continuous use of CDSS and explains the effects of healthcare contexts on physicians’ behaviour.

An overview of patient acceptance of Health Information Technology in developing countries: a review and conceptual model

The potential to improve the quality, efficiency, outcomes, patient safety and reduce cost of healthcare by Health Information Technology (HIT) has been established by researchers. But unfortunately HIT systems are not properly utilized or are not widely available. This problem is even more glaring in developing countries. This article presents a review of some available HIT systems in order to assess the level of their presence and the technology used in developing them. Works related to acceptance of HIT systems were also reviewed so as to study the gaps in this area and propose a solution in order to fill the gaps identified. The problems discovered from this review include lack of availability of these systems especially in developing countries, low rate of HIT systems acceptance and insufficient works on patient acceptance of HIT systems. Studying the factors that affect the acceptance of HIT systems by patients and considering the factors while developing the systems will play a significant role in getting over the aforementioned limitations. As Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is one of the most popular models for studying users' perception and acceptance of Information System (IS)/Information Technology (IT), we proposed a conceptual model of HIT acceptance in developing countries based on TAM.

Development of a framework to promote rural health workforce capability through digital solutions: A qualitative study of user perspectives.

A high-quality, sustained, health workforce contributes to a healthy population. However, a global reality is that rural health services, and the workforces that provide those services, are under unprecedented pressure. It is posited that improving a rural health practitioners’ capability could help to retain them working rurally for longer. Capability refers to skills and experience and the extent to which individuals can adapt to change, generate new knowledge and continue to improve their performance. With rapidly increasing access to, and use of, digital technology worldwide, there are new opportunities to build capability and leverage personal and professional support for those who are working rurally. In 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted in rural Australia with thirteen General Practitioners and allied health professionals. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data and map it to the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model. Whilst it could be assumed that low technology literacy would act as a barrier to the use of digital tools, the study demonstrated that this was not a significant impediment to participants’ willingness to adopt digital tools when social and professional networks weren't available face to face to address their capability challenges. The findings provide insight into the concept of health workforce capability and important considerations when designing capability support. This includes key features of health apps or digital tools to support the capability of the rural health workforce. Understanding the factors that make up a health professionals’ capability and the motivations or cues to act to build or maintain their capability may have a positive effect on their retention in a rural location.

Patient Portal Use by Adults With Heart Failure: An Integrative Review.

Heart failure is a chronic condition affecting many with an emphasis on self-management to improve outcomes and decrease the cost of care. A potential strategy to improve the self-management of heart failure includes the use of a patient portal. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize what is known about patient portal use by adults with heart failure to identify contributing factors for use and areas for future research. Within the three zones of the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model, predominant themes contributing to patient portal use were identified. Within the health zone, the predominant themes were physical and mental health, quality of life, and social interaction. Within the information zone, the predominant themes included knowledge about heart failure and self-care, information sharing, and communication. Within the technology zone, the predominant themes include the barriers and facilitators of patient portal use and overall usability. Overall, the patient perceptions of the patient portal can lead to the acceptance and use of the technology that can enhance self-management. Healthcare providers should partner with adults with heart failure to maximize the features of the patient portal to support self-management.

A qualitative evidence synthesis of users' experience of mobile health applications in the self-management of type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to identify and synthesise qualitative research relating to experiences of using mobile health (mHealth) applications to aid self-management of Type 2 Diabetes. Using a systematic search strategy, 11 databases were searched (Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ProQuest A&1, ProQuest UK & Ireland, Mednar). "Best fit" framework synthesis was used guided by the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM). Assessment of methodological limitations was conducted using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and confidence in the review findings were guided by GRADE-CERQual. Fourteen eligible studies were included in the synthesis (7 qualitative and 5 mixed methods). Key themes identified under the health, information and technology zones of the HITAM revealed the benefits of mHealth apps, barriers to their use, their perceived usefulness and ease of use. Most people used the apps for feedback on their self-management and found them helpful in their communication with health care providers. Some embraced the technology and found it easy to use while others found mHealth apps to be counterintuitive.

Determining Factors Affecting Nurses' Acceptance of a Care Plan System Using a Modified Technology Acceptance Model 3: Structural Equation Model With Cross-Sectional Data.

BackgroundHealth information technology is used in nursing practice worldwide, and holistic patient care planning can serve as a guide for nursing practice to ensure quality in patient-centered care. However, few studies have thoroughly analyzed users’ acceptance of care plan systems to establish individual plans.ObjectiveBased on the technology acceptance model 3 (TAM3), a user technology acceptance model was established to explore what determines the acceptance of care plan systems by users in clinical settings.MethodsCross-sectional quantitative data were obtained from 222 nurses at eight hospitals affiliated with public organizations in Taiwan. Using the modified TAM3, the collected data were employed to analyze the determinants of user acceptance of a care plan system through structural equation modeling (SEM). We also employed moderated multiple regression analysis and partial least squares–SEM to test the moderating effects.ResultsWe verified all significant effects from the use of a care plan system among bivariate patterns in the modified TAM3, except for moderating effects. Our results revealed that the determinants of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly influenced perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, respectively. The results also indicated that nurses’ perceptions of subjective norm (path coefficient=.25, P<.001), perceived ease of use (path coefficient=.32, P<.001), and perceived usefulness (path coefficient=.31, P<.001) had significantly positive effects on their behavioral intention to use the care plan system, accounting for 69% of the total explained variance.ConclusionsBy exploring nurses’ acceptance of a care plan system, this study revealed relationships among the variables in TAM3. Our results confirm that the modified TAM3 is an innovative assessment instrument that can help managers understand nurses’ acceptance of health information technology in nursing practice to enhance the adoption of health information technology.

Assessment of willingness to Tele-monitoring interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension in the public primary healthcare setting

BackgroundTele-monitoring (TM) is remote monitoring of individuals via info-communication technology, enabling them and their relatives or care-providers to recognize their health status conveniently. TM will be successful only if the individuals, often patients with medical conditions, are willing to accept and adopt it in their daily lives. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of willingness of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension towards the use of TM, and the factors influencing their uptake.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at two public primary care clinics (polyclinics) in north-eastern Singapore, where TM had not been implemented. After the patients with T2DM and/or hypertension consented after fulfilling the eligibility criteria, they were first introduced to the concept of TM using pictogram and explanation by the investigators. Data on their demography, clinical parameters, technological literacy and acceptance of TM based on the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM) were subsequently collected, computed, analyzed, followed by regression analyses to identify the factors associated with their willingness to use TM.ResultsAmong 1125 eligible multi-ethnic Asian patients approached, 899 of them completed the assisted questionnaire survey, yielding a response rate of 79.9%. Their mean age was 58 ± 8 years, females 51.3% and Chinese 69.3%. Overall, 53.0% of the patients were willing to use TM. Personal beliefs on technology (OR = 3.54, 95%CI = 2.50–4.50, p < 0.001), prior technology utility (OR = 3.18, 95%CI = 1.57–6.42, p = 0.001), Patient’s requirements to be accompanied (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.054–2.082, P = 0.03) Cost considerations (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 2.257–3.388, P < 0.01) and technological literacy (OR = 2.77, 95%CI = 2.05–3.38, p < 0.001) were associated with willingness to use TM.ConclusionSlightly over half of the patients were willing to use TM. Factors such as age, ethnicity, technological literacy, beliefs and previous utility of technology of the patients have to be addressed before implementing TM in primary care.

Mobile phone applications and their use in the self-management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a qualitative study among app users and non-app users

BackgroundMobile phone applications (apps) have been shown to successfully facilitate the self-management of chronic disease. This study aims to evaluate firstly the experiences, barriers and facilitators to app usage among people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and secondly determine recommendations to improve usage of diabetes apps.MethodsParticipants were aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of T2DM for ≥ 6 months. Semi-structured phone-interviews were conducted with 16 app and 14 non-app users. Interviews were based on the Technology Acceptance Model, Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM) and the Mobile Application Rating Scale. Data were analysed using deductive content analysis.ResultsMost app-users found apps improved their T2DM self-management and health. The recommendation of apps by health professionals, as well as positive interactions with them, improved satisfaction; however, only a minority of patients had practitioners involved in their app use. All non-app users had never had the concept discussed with them by a health professional. Facilitators to app use included the visual representation of trends, intuitive navigation and convenience (for example, discretion and portability). Barriers to app use were participant’s lack of knowledge and awareness of apps as healthcare tools, perceptions of disease severity, technological and health literacy or practical limitations such as rural connectivity. Factors contributing to app use were classified into a framework based on the Health Belief Model and HITAM. Recommendations for future app design centred on educational features, which were currently lacking (e.g. diabetes complications, including organ damage and hypoglycaemic episodes), monitoring and tracking features (e.g. blood glucose level monitoring with trends and dynamic tips and comorbidities) and nutritional features (e.g. carbohydrate counters). Medication reminders were not used by participants. Lastly, participants felt that receiving weekly text-messaging relating to their self-management would be appropriate.ConclusionsThe incorporation of user-centred features, which engage T2DM consumers in self-management tasks, can improve health outcomes. The findings may guide app developers and entrepreneurs in improving app design and usability. Given self-management is a significant factor in glycaemic control, these findings are significant for GPs, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals who may integrate apps into a holistic management plan which considers strategies outside the clinical environment.

Health Information Technology Acceptance Framework for diabetes management

This study examined the level of acceptance of Health Information Technology (HIT) as tools for diabetes care and management, in six selected tertiary hospitals in southwestern zone of Nigeria. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study was conducted amongst selected healthcare stakeholders namely Nurses, Doctors, Laboratory Scientists, Pharmacists, ICT unit Professionals, Medical Record Officers, and Type-2 diabetes out-patients available in the designated hospitals. Adapting Technology Acceptance and Chronic Care Models, the level of HIT acceptance by the respondents in the study area was measured in terms of Perceived Ease-of-Use, Perceived Usefulness, and the Perceived Unintended Consequences relating to HIT, while also considering the roles of the government, community and healthcare organizations. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were examined, each for both Staff and Patients, and the factor variables studied on a 5-point Likert rating scale of measurement from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). The results revealed strong perception of Staff and Patients about HIT implementation and acceptance and showed that in some cases, the perception of Staff and patients about HIT acceptance are the same, while different in some. The study concluded that for acceptability of HIT, hospitals have to embark on ‘continuous’ training for the HIT users, so that users would familiarize themselves with the system, and it will be fully incorporated into their workflow. Based on the findings, a conceptual Health Information Technology Acceptance Framework for Chronic diseases' management, especially for diabetes mellitus was developed.

Iranian Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (IHITAM) from Users' Views.

Introduction:Information technology (IT) is an important component of medical informatics. Information needs to be accepted by users to function effectively. At different ages and from different views, several models have been proposed and used to show factors affecting users’ IT acceptance. However, such models are in need of frequent revision and development due to variable conditions.Aim:The present research aims to design a new health IT acceptance model from Iranian users’ views. The research aims both to design a model for status quo by reviewing previous models and consider features of Iranian users.Methods:This is a correlative, cross-sectional study. Firstly, the primary model was presented by studying important IT acceptance models. Then, a structured questionnaire was designed and, after confirmation of validity and reliability of the questionnaire, it was given to users of information and health IT systems in different wards of hospitals in Iran. Data were analyzed by SPSS and Lisrel and the final model was designed by structural equations.Results:The model showed that there are six key factors which are effective on attitude and use intention including performance expectancy, observability, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, empowerment and subjective norms via three interface factors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, self-efficacy. The size of technology use is an important factor in technology acceptance and application as well.Conclusion:The present model has more details compared to the other models and can show a new image of important factors in technology acceptance and their relationships.

Factors in the 4-week Acceptance of a Computer-Based, Chronic Disease Self-Monitoring System in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension.

Health information technology (HIT) interventions developed to support patients' self-care for chronic diseases have become popular, but people may not always accept and sustain their use. This study examined factors that affected patients' acceptance of a computer-based, chronic disease self-monitoring system over a 4-week period. A research model was developed to test the relationships between the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and subjective norm and the patients' behavioral intention to use the system (i.e., acceptance). Data were collected with surveys of 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension at baseline, 2 weeks after implementation, and 4 weeks after implementation. Path analysis was used for model testing. Perceived usefulness affected behavioral intention indirectly at 2 weeks and directly at 4 weeks; perceived ease of use affected behavioral intention indirectly at 2 and 4 weeks; attitude directly affected behavioral intention at 2 weeks; and subjective norm affected behavioral intention indirectly at 2 weeks and directly at baseline and at 4 weeks. Patients' acceptance of HIT is affected by the factors proposed in our research model. It is suggested that healthcare stakeholders consider and address the effects of these factors and their variations over time before implementing HIT.

Perceptions on use of home telemonitoring in patients with long term conditions \u2013 concordance with the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model: a qualitative collective case study

BackgroundHealth information technology (HIT) may be used to improve care for increasing numbers of older people with long term conditions (LTCs) who make high demands on health and social care services. Despite its potential benefits for reducing disease exacerbations and hospitalisations, HIT home monitoring is not always accepted by patients. Using the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM) this qualitative study examined the usefulness of the model for understanding acceptance of HIT in older people (≥60 years) participating in a RCT for older people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and associated heart diseases (CHROMED).MethodsAn instrumental, collective case study design was used with qualitative interviews of patients in the intervention arm of CHROMED. These were conducted at two time points, one shortly after installation of equipment and again at the end of (or withdrawal from) the study. We used Framework Analysis to examine how well the HITAM accounted for the data.ResultsParticipants included 21 patients aged between 60–99 years and their partners or relatives where applicable. Additional concepts for the HITAM for older people included: concerns regarding health professional access and attachment; heightened illness anxiety and desire to avoid continuation of the ‘sick-role’. In the technology zone, HIT self-efficacy was associated with good organisational processes and informal support; while ease of use was connected to equipment design being suitable for older people. HIT perceived usefulness was related to establishing trends in health status, detecting early signs of infection and potential to self-manage. Due to limited feedback to users opportunities to self-manage were reduced.ConclusionsHITAM helped understand the likelihood that older people with LTCs would use HIT, but did not explain how this might result in improved self-management. In order to increase HIT acceptance among older people, equipment design and organisational factors need to be considered.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01960907 October 9 2013 (retrospectively registered) Clinical tRials fOr elderly patients with MultiplE Disease (CHROMED). Start date October 2012, end date March 2016. Date of enrolment of the first participant was February 2013.

Troubled Waters: Navigating Unintended Consequences of Health Information Technology.

To provide an introduction to the 2016 IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics by the editors. We present a brief overview of the 2016 special topic "Unintended consequences of Health IT: new problems, new solutions", we review our choice of special topic section editors, and discuss the transitions in the editorial team for next year. This edition of the Yearbook acknowledges the fact that implementation and use of Health Information Technology (HIT) may result in unintended consequences, which may lead to both adverse and sometimes beneficial outcomes. However to date, in the literature, undesired outcomes are emphasized with a focus on the complex causes and the many sources that may generate them. The growing awareness of the importance of HIT's unintended consequences and their increasing documentation reflect a wider acceptance of HIT by users (more use generating more consequences) and and a new type of users (a shift from early adopters to late adopters and laggards), whith great expectations regarding the improvement of care quality through HIT solutions. Different points of view on new problems and new solutions of unintended consequences of Health IT are presented through the keynote paper, survey papers, and the working group contributions. The regular 2016 issue of the IMIA yearbook focuses on new unintended consequences of Health IT - brought on by wider adoption and different types of users as well as solutions to addressing them.

Mobile Health Apps to Facilitate Self-Care: A Qualitative Study of User Experiences.

ObjectiveConsumers are living longer, creating more pressure on the health system and increasing their requirement for self-care of chronic conditions. Despite rapidly-increasing numbers of mobile health applications (‘apps’) for consumers’ self-care, there is a paucity of research into consumer engagement with electronic self-monitoring. This paper presents a qualitative exploration of how health consumers use apps for health monitoring, their perceived benefits from use of health apps, and suggestions for improvement of health apps.Materials and Methods‘Health app’ was defined as any commercially-available health or fitness app with capacity for self-monitoring. English-speaking consumers aged 18 years and older using any health app for self-monitoring were recruited for interview from the metropolitan area of Perth, Australia. The semi-structured interview guide comprised questions based on the Technology Acceptance Model, Health Information Technology Acceptance Model, and the Mobile Application Rating Scale, and is the only study to do so. These models also facilitated deductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Implicit and explicit responses not aligned to these models were analyzed inductively.ResultsTwenty-two consumers (15 female, seven male) participated, 13 of whom were aged 26–35 years. Eighteen participants reported on apps used on iPhones. Apps were used to monitor diabetes, asthma, depression, celiac disease, blood pressure, chronic migraine, pain management, menstrual cycle irregularity, and fitness. Most were used approximately weekly for several minutes per session, and prior to meeting initial milestones, with significantly decreased usage thereafter. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis reduced the data to four dominant themes: engagement in use of the app; technical functionality of the app; ease of use and design features; and management of consumers’ data.ConclusionsThe semi-structured interviews provided insight into usage, benefits and challenges of health monitoring using apps. Understanding the range of consumer experiences and expectations can inform design of health apps to encourage persistence in self-monitoring.

A cross-sectional investigation of acceptance of health information technology: A nationwide survey of community pharmacists in Turkey.

Health information technologies have become vital to health care services. In that regard, successful use of information technologies in pharmaceutical services is important to manage, control and maintain pharmaceutical transactions, which increase the quality of health care delivery. This study aimed to identify influencing factors on pharmacists' acceptance of pharmaceutical service systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted employing a research model based on technology acceptance theories. A parsimonious model was developed, and a self-reported questionnaire was distributed online. Community pharmacists participated voluntarily via the website of Turkish Pharmacists' Association. The data was analyzed employing Structural Equation Modeling. From 77 out of 81 cities of Turkey, 2169 community pharmacists participated to the survey with 43% response rate. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system factors and perceived behavioral control explained 47% of total variance in pharmacists' intention to use the pharmaceutical technology. The findings of the research provided insight about relations of influencing factors and practical implications regarding perceived behaviors and system use. Future researchers would benefit from the study design and findings. The study is also valuable for being the first nationwide study conducted on pharmacists about user attitudes toward a technology.