Patient’s Acceptance of IT-Assisted Self-Monitoring: A Multiple-Case Study

ABSTRACT

A qualitative study was conducted to examine patients’ acceptance of self-monitoring devices. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was adapted to this context. The initial elements of the theory were functional performance, medical benefit expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The study not only confirmed the presence of these elements but also revealed the existence of two additional elements, namely, the attending doctor and information technology expert. Furthermore, the research revealed the moderators of the influences of the elements on the acceptance. The most important moderator was the patients’ perceived need for the device. Two significant contributions of the research are the theoretical extensions of the UTAUT to a new context and the practical implications which the makers of self-monitoring devices can utilize the results to prepare educational and marketing materials for the benefit of the patients and the medical professionals.

KEYWORDS:

• Health information technology
• perceived need
• qualitative research
• user acceptance
• vital sign self-monitoring

Acknowledgement

The first author would like to thank National University for supporting this research through a grant (Presidential Scholar Award).