1
|
Kung LH, Yan YH, Kung CM. Exploring Telemedicine Usage Intention Using Technology Acceptance Model and Social Capital Theory. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1267. [PMID: 38998802 PMCID: PMC11240884 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine technology has emerged as a pivotal solution to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services. This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine technology among healthcare professionals in Taiwan. Employing a quantitative research approach, we utilized a survey instrument adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Data were collected from 325 healthcare professionals across diverse medical fields. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience significantly influence intention to use telemedicine. Moreover, age moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and usage intention. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both technological and social factors in promoting the adoption of telemedicine among healthcare professionals. Policy implications and recommendations for enhancing telemedicine implementation are discussed based on the study findings. Specifically, our findings highlight that perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience significantly impact the intention to use telemedicine technology. Age significantly moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and usage intention. These results not only theoretically support the UTAUT model but also provide practical strategies to advance the application of telemedicine technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hsi Kung
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
- Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), No. 670, Chongde Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hua Yan
- Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), No. 670, Chongde Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Kung
- Department of Information Technology and Communication, Shih Chien University Kaohsiung, No. 200, Daxue Road, Neimen District, Kaohsiung City 84550, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Philpot LM, Ramar P, Roellinger DL, Njeru JW, Ebbert JO. Individual-Level Digital Determinants of Health and Technology Acceptance of Patient Portals: Cross-Sectional Assessment. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e56493. [PMID: 38695754 PMCID: PMC11196914 DOI: 10.2196/56493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital determinants of health (DDoH), including access to technological tools and digital health literacy, function independently as barriers to health. Assessment for DDoH is not routine within most health care systems, although addressing DDoH could help mitigate differential health outcomes and the digital divide. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the role of individual-level DDoH factors on patient enrollment in and use of the patient portal. METHODS We developed a multimodal, cross-sectional survey and deployed it to 11,424 individuals based on their preferred mode and language documented within the electronic medical record. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, enrollment in and intent to use the patient portal were the outcomes of interest. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were assessed to determine construct validity, and exploratory investigations included individual-level DDoH, including internet and device access, availability of technological support, medical complexity, individual relationship with the health care system, and digital health literacy. Counts (n) and proportions (%) were used to describe response categories, and adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios are reported. RESULTS This study included 1850 respondents (11,424 invited, 16.2% response rate), who were mostly female (1048/1850, 56.6%) and White (1240/1850, 67%), with an average age of 63 years. In the validation of the Technology Acceptance Model, measures of perceived ease of use (ie, using the patient portal will require a lot of mental effort; the patient portal will be very easy to use) and perceived usefulness (ie, the usefulness of the patient portal to send and receive messages with providers, schedule appointments, and refill medications) were positively associated with both enrollment in and intent to use the patient portal. Within adjusted models, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness constructs, in addition to constructs of digital health literacy, knowing what health resources are available on the internet (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.6), portal ease of use (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-5), and portal usefulness (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.2) were significantly associated with patient portal enrollment. Other factors associated with patient portal enrollment and intent to use included being comfortable reading and speaking English, reported use of the internet to surf the web or to send or receive emails, home internet access, and access to technology devices (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc). CONCLUSIONS Assessing for and addressing individual-level DDoH, including digital health literacy, access to digital tools and technologies, and support of the relational aspects between patients, social support systems, and health care providers, could help mitigate disparities in health. By focusing efforts to assess for and address individual-level DDoH, an opportunity exists to improve digitally driven health care delivery outcomes like access and structural outcomes like bias built within algorithms created with incomplete representation across communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Philpot
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Priya Ramar
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel L Roellinger
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jane W Njeru
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jon O Ebbert
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rowe Ferrara M, Chapman SA. Rural Patients' Experiences with Synchronous Video Telehealth in the United States: A Scoping Review. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1357-1377. [PMID: 38265694 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Telehealth can help increase rural health care access. To ensure this modality is accessible for rural patients, it is necessary to understand rural patients' experiences with telehealth. Objectives of this scoping review were to explore how rural patients' telehealth experiences have been measured, assess relevant research, and describe rural telehealth patient experiences. Methods: We searched five databases for articles published from 2016 through 2022. Primary research reports assessing rural adult patient experiences with synchronous video telehealth in the United States in any clinical area were included. Data collected pertained to study characteristics and patient experience assessment characteristics and outcomes. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies tool. Review findings were presented in a narrative synthesis. Results: There were 740 articles identified for screening, and 24 met review inclusion criteria. Most studies (70%, n = 16) assessed rural telehealth patient experience using questionnaires; studies employed interviews (n = 11) alone or in combination with surveys. The majority of surveys were study developed and not validated. Quantitative patient experience outcomes fell under categories of patient satisfaction, telehealth care characteristics, patient-provider rapport, technology elements, and access. Qualitative themes were most often presented as telehealth benefits or facilitators, and drawbacks or barriers. Conclusions: Available research indicates positive patient experiences with rural telehealth services. However, study weaknesses limit generalizability of findings. Future research should apply established definitions for participant rurality and clearly group samples by rurality. Efforts should be made to use validated telehealth patient experience measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Rowe Ferrara
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan A Chapman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Holtz BE, Mitchell K. Best Practices for Developing a Diabetes mHealth App. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2024; 18:39-45. [PMID: 37644831 PMCID: PMC10899849 DOI: 10.1177/19322968231195849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of smartphones in the United States has led to a surge in mHealth apps designed to support people with various health issues. Yet the effectiveness and long-term impacts of these apps still need to be determined. This article presents a case study of the development of MyT1DHero, an mHealth app for people with type 1 diabetes, to identify best practices for app development. We propose four essential best practices based on the insights gained from this case study: incorporating theoretical frameworks, prioritizing user feedback, engaging key stakeholders, and establishing a robust data-collection foundation. These findings have practical implications for researchers and developers seeking to create effective mHealth interventions. Furthermore, we suggest future research directions to advance the development and implementation of innovative health technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bree E. Holtz
- Department of Advertising and
Public Relations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Katharine Mitchell
- Department of Advertising and
Public Relations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pullyblank K, Scribani M, Krupa N, Chapman A, Kern M, Brunner W. Exploring Multiple Dimensions of Access to and Preferences for Telehealth Use. TELEMEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 4:348-358. [PMID: 38098780 PMCID: PMC10719637 DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2023.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction During the pandemic, telehealth became critically important in care provision. Yet, research exposed the inequities facing various groups of people in terms of accessing telehealth. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the various dimensions of access that impact a person's ability to use and preference for telehealth. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach framed by Levesque's Access to Health care model. In August, 2021, a stratified random sample of 500 patients of an integrated rural health care network was invited to participate in a survey designed to capture familiarity with, use of, and preference for digital technologies in general as well as with telehealth. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted between January 2022 and June 2022. Results Patients' willingness to use telehealth was influenced by multiple dimensions of access, including approachability of the resource, acceptability, availability, affordability, and appropriateness. Clinician beliefs and attitudes as well as health care system policies affected how a patient perceived, sought, reached, and engaged with telehealth. Conclusions Access is a dynamic, multifaceted concept that is influenced by individual-, organization-, and systemic-level factors. Looking beyond patient determinants and examining different dimensions of access is important to better facilitate implementation and sustainment of telehealth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Pullyblank
- Center for Rural Community Health, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Melissa Scribani
- Center for Biostatistics, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Krupa
- Center for Biostatistics, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Chapman
- Center for Rural Community Health, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Megan Kern
- Center for Biostatistics, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Wendy Brunner
- Center for Rural Community Health, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anil Kumar Vaidhyam S, Huang KT. Social Determinants of Health and Patients' Technology Acceptance of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Survey. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e47982. [PMID: 37934556 PMCID: PMC10631497 DOI: 10.2196/47982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has been widely adopted by patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many social determinants of health influence the adoption. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to understand the social determinants of patients' adoption of telehealth in the context of the pandemic. METHODS A survey methodology was used to capture data from 215 participants using Amazon Mechanical Turk. The study was guided by the technology acceptance model and the social determinants of health framework. The questionnaire included technology acceptance model variables (eg, perceived usefulness [PU] and perceived ease of use [PEOU]), social determinants (eg, access to health care, socioeconomic status, education, and health literacy), and demographic information (eg, age, sex, race, and ethnicity). A series of ordinary least squares regressions were conducted to analyze the data using SPSS Statistics (IBM Corp). RESULTS The results showed that social determinant factors-safe neighborhood and built environment (P=.01) and economic stability (P=.05)-are predictors of the PEOU of telehealth adoption at a statistically significant or marginally statistically significant level. Furthermore, a moderated mediation model (PROCESS model 85) was used to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on the neighborhood, built environment, and economic stability. PEOU and PU significantly positively affected users' intention to use technology for both variables. CONCLUSIONS This study draws attention to 2 research frameworks that address unequal access to health technologies. It also adds empirical evidence to telehealth research on the adoption of patient technology. Finally, regarding practical implications, this study will provide government agencies, health care organizations, and health care companies with a better perspective of patients' digital health use. This will further guide them in designing better technology by considering factors such as social determinants of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Anil Kumar Vaidhyam
- Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship, School of Computing and Information, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kuo-Ting Huang
- Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship, School of Computing and Information, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Oduro MS, Peprah P, Morgan AK, Agyemang-Duah W. Staying in or out? COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance and associated socio-demographic factors in rural India. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1439. [PMID: 37501140 PMCID: PMC10375657 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16282-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although evidence on healthcare utilization avoidance during COVID-19 pandemic is emerging, such knowledge is limited in rural settings. An effective policy to the COVID-19 shocks and stresses in rural settings require empirical evidence to inform the design of health policies and programmes. To help overcome this evidence gap and also contribute to policy decisions, this study aimed at examining COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance and associated factors in rural India. METHODS This study used the third-round data from the COVID-19-Related Shocks in Rural India survey conducted between 20-24 September, 2020 across six states. The outcome variable considered in this study was COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance. Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression Model via Multiple Imputation was used to assess the factors influencing COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance. RESULTS Data on 4,682 respondents were used in the study. Of this, the prevalence of COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance was 15.5% in rural India across the six states. After adjusting for relevant covariates, participants from the Bihar State have significantly higher likelihood of COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance compared to those from the Andhra Pradesh. Also, participants whose educational level exceeds high school, those who use government hospital/clinic, engage in daily wage labour in agriculture have significantly higher odds of COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that state of residence, type of health facility used, primary work activity and educational level were associated with COVID-19-induced healthcare utilization avoidance in rural India. The findings suggest that policy makers and public health authorities need to formulate policies and design interventions that acknowledge socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence healthcare use avoidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Safo Oduro
- Pfizer, Inc., Pharm Sci and PGS Statistics, 445 Eastern Point Rd, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Prince Peprah
- Social Policy Research Center, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Center for Primary Health Care and Equity, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Kwame Morgan
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, K7L 3N6, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Corneli A, Perry B, Des Marais A, Choi Y, Chen H, Lilly R, Ayers D, Bennett J, Kestner L, Meade CS, Sachdeva N, McKellar MS. Participant perceptions on the acceptability and feasibility of a telemedicine-based HIV PrEP and buprenorphine/naloxone program embedded within syringe services programs: a qualitative descriptive evaluation. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:132. [PMID: 36463214 PMCID: PMC9719634 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for HIV and opioid overdose. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with access to both oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through two syringe services programs (SSPs) in North Carolina. We conducted a qualitative evaluation to assess the acceptability and feasibility of PARTNER UP from the participant perspective. METHODS PARTNER UP participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly telemedicine visits until program end at month 6. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with a subsample of PARTNER UP participants at 1 month and 4 months. Informed by the technology acceptance model, we assessed participant perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of PARTNER UP, as well as their intent to continue to use the program's components. We audio-recorded all interviews with participants' permission and used applied thematic analysis to analyze the verbatim transcripts. RESULTS We interviewed 11 of 17 people who participated in PARTNER UP-10 in the month 1 interview and 8 in the month 4 interview. Nearly all participants were motivated to join for consistent and easy access to buprenorphine/naloxone (i.e., MOUD); only a few joined to access PrEP. Most were comfortable accessing healthcare at the SSP because of their relationship with and trust toward SSP staff, and accessing services at the SSP was preferred compared with other healthcare centers. Some participants described that telemedicine allowed them to be honest and share more information because the visits were not in-person and they chose the location, although the initial in-person meeting was helpful to build provider trust and rapport. Most participants found the visit schedule to be feasible, although half described needing to reschedule at least once. Nearly all participants who were interviewed intended to continue with MOUD after the program ended, whereas none were interested in continuing with PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Participant narratives suggest that the PARTNER UP telemedicine program was acceptable and feasible. Future studies should continue to explore the benefits of embedding both PrEP and MOUD into SSPs with larger numbers of participants. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04521920.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Corneli
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Brian Perry
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Andrea Des Marais
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Yujung Choi
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Hillary Chen
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Rebecca Lilly
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA ,Present Address: Port City Harm Reduction, Wilmington, NC USA
| | - Denae Ayers
- Queen City Harm Reduction, Charlotte, NC USA
| | - Jesse Bennett
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA
| | | | - Christina S. Meade
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Nidhi Sachdeva
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Present Address: North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Mehri S. McKellar
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| |
Collapse
|