Investigating the factors affecting the acceptance of blockchain in telemedicine through an integrated model approach

Abstract

Purpose As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT acceptance as incorporation of blockchain technology can solve telemedicine-related issues. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing behavioral intentions (BI) to adopt BBT. Design/methodology/approach An integrated model comprising the constructs taken from technology–organization–environment framework, technology acceptance model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and theory of planned behavior based on their relevance to the context and the objectives of the study has been used for this research. A quantitative approach has been used to test the hypotheses, for which the data was collected from 324 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling has been used to test the hypotheses. Findings The results of the study show that relative advantage, perceived usefulness, trust and perceived ease of use have a significant impact on BI to adopt BBT, whereas regulatory support, subjective norms and facilitating conditions do not have any significant impact on the same. Research limitations/implications As the concept of BCT in Pakistan is at its nascent stage and literature regarding this technology’s adoption is also limited, researchers and scholars can apply it to several other fields in Pakistan. For example, this study can be extended to explore the factors influencing blockchain adoption in areas such as education, logistics, transportation, finances and management. This research only considers the direct effects of constructs on BI to adopt BBT and does not consider any mediation and moderations constructs. Future researchers can also study the influence of mediation and moderation constructs on BI to adopt BCT. Originality/value Although studies on the acceptance of telemedicine exist, there is a gap concerning the acceptance of BBT, which the current study helps to bridge. From a practical standpoint, the current study makes a highly valuable contribution toward understanding acceptance factors for BBT projects, leading to help policymakers devise policies to promote telemedicine.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Blockchain Technology in Jordan: The Perspective of Health Care Professionals

“…Although Shaukat et al (2023) found that perceived usefulness positively influences behavioral intention to use, H9 was rejected as there was no significant correlation between them. In Dbesan et al's (2023) study, effort expectancy directly affected the behavior intention to use blockchain technology in healthcare.…”

“…Their study demonstrated positive correlations between perceived usefulness and attitude towards use, perceived ease of use and attitude towards use, attitude towards use and intention to use, as well as intention to use and actual usage of blockchain technology. Additionally, Shaukat et al (2023) proposed a framework that integrates four technology acceptance models, including the TAM and UTAUT. The study investigated the factors influencing the acceptance of blockchain in telemedicine.…”

“…The TAM model has been used in several studies to measure the factors that may affect acceptance of the blockchain in several industries (Chaveesuk et al, 2020;Giri & Manohar, 2023;Sciarelli et al, 2022;Shrestha & Vassileva, 2019). However, only a very limited number of studies have used TAM models to measure the acceptance of blockchain in healthcare (Altalhi & Basiouni, 2022;Kumar & Jain, 2023;Shaukat et al, 2023).…”

“…Behavioral intention to use refers to the healthcare professionals' intention or willingness to use blockchain-based healthcare systems (Venkatesh et al, 2003). Shaukat et al (2023) have found that perceived usefulness positively influences the behavioral intention to adopt blockchain technology. Accordingly, H9 hypothesizes that if healthcare professionals perceive using blockchain technology in healthcare is useful, they are more likely to be willing to use it.…”