Patients' Acceptance of Telemedicine Technology: The Influence of User Behavior and Socio-Cultural Dimensions

Background: Over the years, the role of startups has experienced a significant increase in healthcare delivery, particularly in telemedicine. However, there are still some inherent challenges, including cultural factors, lack of digital literacy, and uneven internet network infrastructure that must be considered during implementation. Previous reports also showed that there was a knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing acceptance of telemedicine.

Objective: This study aimed to introduce and investigate an adjusted model based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess the influence of user dimensions, technological aspects, and socio-cultural elements on the intention to adopt telemedicine services.

Methods: The hypothesized relationships between latent variables were examined through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In addition, data analysis was carried out using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Results: Self-efficacy (β=-0.272, P=0.013), perceived usefulness (β=0.355, P=0.000), facilitating conditions (β=0.425, P=0.000), and cultural factors (β=0.421, P=0.001) were found to exert a significant influence on the intention to adopt telemedicine services. Meanwhile, trust, the variables of perceived ease of use, and social influence had no significant influences.

Conclusion: This study emphasized the significance of comprehending the factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine services. In addition, the results showed that the extended TAM was applicable in assessing acceptance of telemedicine services.

Keywords: acceptance, telemedicine, TAM, SEM, intention to use