Predicting the Mass Adoption of eDoctor Apps During COVID-19 in China Using Hybrid SEM-Neural Network Analysis

Abstract

Technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives. The use of technology-based healthcare apps facilitates and empowers users to use such apps and saves the burden on the public healthcare system during COVID-19. Through technology-based healthcare apps, patients can be virtually connected to doctors for medical services. This study explored users' intention and adoption of eDoctor apps in relation to their health behaviors and healthcare technology attributes among Chinese adults. Cross-sectional data were collected through social media, resulting in a total of 961 valid responses for analysis. The hybrid analysis technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was applied. The obtained results revealed the significant influence of eDoctor apps in terms of usefulness, compatibility, accuracy, and privacy on users' intention to use eDoctor apps. Intention and product value were also found to suggestively promote the adoption of eDoctor apps. This study offered practical recommendations for the suppliers and developers of eHealth apps to make every attempt of informing and building awareness to nurture users' intention and usage of healthcare technology. Users' weak health consciousness and motivation are notable barriers that restrict their intention and adoption of the apps. Mass adoption of eDoctor apps can also be achieved through the integration of the right technology features that build the product value and adoption of eDoctor apps. The limitations of the current study and recommendations for future research are presented at the end of this paper.

Modelling the mass adoption potential of wearable medical devices

“…Wang et al [ 4 ] have postulated that technology compatibility builds the value of the technology products. PCT is regarded as a critical aspect in the adoption of new technologies and considerably impacts users’ behavioural intentions [ 12 , 15 ]. Thus, the following hypothesis is proposed:…”

“…When a person perceives a medical device as a useful technological tool, his or her intention to use it will lead to the adoption of the new technology [ 1 ]. Users are more likely to adopt WMDs when they believe the devices would improve their lives [ 12 , 26 ]. Furthermore, the degree to which Chinese adults consider WMDs to be simple to use would impact both their PPV and their intention to adopt the WMDs.…”

“…WDs are new healthcare technologies that can assist patients in the early detection of severe health issues [ 30 ] besides providing early assistance and alerts to general users [ 1 ]. One of the significant implementation challenges in the healthcare market is technology accuracy [ 12 , 23 ]. Promoting awareness and accuracy of the product value is thus critical for customers and users.…”

“…In the current study, PCM is defined as a WMD user’s belief that many individuals with whom he or she interacts are using the device. When users believe that the use of a WMD has reached critical mass or mass adoption, they will trust and expect their friends and family, with whom they interact, to continue using it in the future, resulting in a higher intention to use the WMD [ 12 , 20 ]. Reaching critical mass might offer users the impression that the technology is widely accepted, thus, giving them the confidence to adopt it [ 14 ].…”

“…The public requires promising health facilities as public health services may not be available to everyone when they need them. Moreover, healthcare technology can facilitate the large population to gain control of personal care and support in building efficacy in the public healthcare system [ 12 ]. Taking care of personal health reduces the burden on the public healthcare system and empowers the general public to maintain their health [ 12 ].…”