Technology Acceptance Model for the Use of M-Health Services among Health Related Users in UAE

Abstract

Abstract-This paper aims to identify the main factors that influence health related users' acceptance to mobile health services technology as a mean for receiving general health services. This study proposes Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) modified by incorporating external variables including perceived security and perceived trust in order to determine the factors that mostly influence the intention to use M-Health services. In this study, the proposed research model and hypotheses tested and validated with a data collected from the survey questionnaires distributed to a sample of 144 Emiratis and Non-Emiratis patients, general health users and health professional. In our research, we apply the frequency analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation test, t-test, Reliability & convergence and discriminant validity. The research made an in-depth examination of the variables that influence the intention to use MHealth services by focusing on main stakeholders including patients, visitors and health professionals. The proposed research model is applicable as per the results achieved from the survey and it can be applied to evaluate M-Health users' acceptance and help government and non-government entities to develop m-health services that align with the needs of the users.

Patient’s Intention to Use Mobile Health App

“…Therefore, H2 is supported. This finding is in line with the findings of (Alloghani et al, 2015) and (Sun et al, 2013) who believe that the perceived ease of use is an important indicator that influences the intention to use the mobile health services. The interface design and features of the app are therefore important because the likelihood of app adoption for the patient increases when less effort is required, the operation is easy to learn, and satisfying user experience is possible.…”

“…Based on the findings of SmartPLS, the result showed that the perceived usefulness actually has a significant positive relationship (t-value = 4,399, α = 0.05, one-tailed test) with the patient's behavioral intention to use the mobile health app, H1 is therefore supported. This finding is in line with the findings of (Nasir and Yurder, 2015), (Deng et al, 2012) and (Alloghani et al, 2015) where the perceived usefulness has a positive effect on the patient's behavioral intention to use the mobile health apps. Patients will have a more positive attitude towards the mobile health app if the app is so useful that the user can effectively control their health care (Nasir and Yurder, 2015).…”

“…The individual will assess the benefit or value of the mobile health app in terms of the desired outcomes it could gain from adoption. In the context of this study, perceived usefulness is the degree to which users' perceptions of the health-related services offered by mobile health apps will be beneficial to them (Alloghani et al, 2015). Legris et al (2003) suggest that PU is usually measured using four elements: effectiveness, productivity, performance and overall usefulness of new technology.…”

“…Legris et al (2003) suggest that PU is usually measured using four elements: effectiveness, productivity, performance and overall usefulness of new technology. For example, physicians and patients will be more likely to adopt a mobile health app if they perceive that the app would be useful enough to effectively manage health care, improve their productivity and performance at work (Alloghani et al, 2015).…”

M-Health Applications Use amongst Mobile Users in Dubai- UAE

“…It is important to note that applications do not replace consultation and guidance from a professional, such as a doctor or nutritionist. Also, it is necessary to check with caution the source and reliability of the information offered by this app, guides Fortes (Alloghani, et al, 2015).…”