Adoption of health information technologies: the case of a wireless monitor for diabetes and obesity patients

Abstract

This paper explores what determines the adoption of health information technologies through the use of a case study of a wireless service prototype developed for patients with diabetes and obesity. A technology acceptance model was used as the basis for developing the theoretical framework, which was later tested through a field study. Results indicated that the usefulness of an e-health service was affected by the quality of service, its compatibility with users’ lifestyle, the quality of support, the quality of information presented in the service, usage time, image, accessibility, and ease-of-use characteristics of the service. Designers should develop services that do not require much usage time as users do not want to spend much time using the service. In addition, users should be able to access data presented in the service quickly and easily when they need it. Customisable menu items and short cut keys can be used to make data access quick and easy.

Keywords:

• health information technology
• technology adoption
• service adoption
• service design characteristics

Notes on contributors

Tugrul U. Daim is an Associate Professor and the Director the PhD programme at the Engineering and Technology Management Department at Portland State University. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Bogazici University in Turkey, MS in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, another MS in Engineering Management from Portland State University and a PhD in Systems Science-Engineering Management from Portland State University. Nuri Basoglu is a Professor in the Department of Management Information Systems, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey. His current interests are customer-focused product development, information technology adaptation and wireless service design, adaptive human computer interfaces. He has published articles in journals such as Technology Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of High Technology Management, Technology in Society, International Journal of Services Sciences, Computers in Human Behavior, and Foresight. He received his BS in Industrial Engineering at Bogazici University and MS and PhD in Business Administration at Istanbul University.Umit Topacan recently graduated with an MA from the Department of Management Information Systems, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey.