Adoption Intention of an IoT Based Healthcare Technologies in Rehabilitation Process

Abstract

The research problem of this article is growing challenges to acceptance and relatively slow adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) based healthcare technologies in day-to-day practice among healthcare professionals. Many studies have offered important insight into the adoption of IoT-based healthcare technologies among employees and patients, but the attitudes of health technicians-professionals have rarely been researched. Research aimed to examine the readiness for adoption of IoT healthcare technologies as an assistive technology in the rehabilitation therapy among technician employees in the clinic for rehabilitation in Belgrade. In this study, we propose an integrated research model based on two perspective models – Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Our model includes variables from TAM: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitudes; TPB: attitudes and subjective norm and inclusion of personal innovativeness. The model is tested on responses obtained from a survey of 85 healthcare professionals the in clinic for rehabilitation in Belgrade, Serbia. The findings suggest that the intention to adopt IoT healthcare technologies in a rehabilitation process is positively influenced by perceived usefulness, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived ease of use, and personal innovativeness. We found no evidence that age and gender influenced the intention to adopt or use IoT healthcare technologies. This study contributes with an empirical attempt that includes healthcare technicians—physiotherapists in enhancing the adoption and application of IoT healthcare technologies as assistive technologies. Findings can help countries in the region conduct similar research among healthcare professionals.

Acknowledgements

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Summary table

What was already known on the topic:

• Smart healthcare technology in physical rehabilitation can improve physical rehabilitation practice and reduce cost and time. However, in addition to numerous benefits of smart healthcare technologies, there is relatively slow their adoption in healthcare practice.

• Despite the existence of numerous examples of implementation of IoT solutions, there are barriers to their introduction into health systems and clinics. One of great importance is readiness to adopt these technologies.

• Previous researches were mostly based on examining the acceptance of emerged technology among patients or users. This study filled the gap that was missing when it comes to examining the acceptance of assistive technologies among employees.

What this study added to our knowledge:

• The proposed smart healthcare technology acceptance modified model represents an innovative solution that would improve the health care delivery system or introduce assistive technologies into existing rehabilitation processes.

• Results from the researched model reaffirm theoretical foundation of other acceptance models in healthcare area.

• In addition, we contribute to the uniqueness of this type of the research in the field of physical rehabilitation. Since the research was conducted in an eminent institution for rehabilitation, the results are representative for other institutions of a similar type.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Branka Rodić

Branka Rodić, received her PhD degree at Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade in 2018. She has been with the Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, The College of Health Sciences since 2014, presently as a professor. Her research interests include smart healthcare, internet of things, and wearable computing.

Vladimir Stevanović

Vladimir Stevanovic is a master of physiotherapy and he is permanently employed at The Clinic for Rehabilitation Dr Miroslav Zotovic. He is an associate lecturer of practical classes at the Academy of Applied Studies in Belgrade. His research deals with technologies of internet intelligent devices in the rehabilitation process.

Aleksandra Labus

Aleksandra Labus, associate professor of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade. She is CoPI in an international project with the University of Florida. Research areas are: e-business, blockchain, internet of things, digital marketing, e-education, e-health. She has published over 150 papers in highly-ranked international journals and scientific conferences.

Dragana Kljajić

Dragana Kljajic, a professor at the Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, Serbia. She received her PhD degree at University of Belgrade, area of neuro science in 2013. Her research interests include spinal cord injury, posture, musculoskeletal disorders, muscle function etc.

Marija Trajkov

Marija Trajkov, a professor at the Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, Serbia. She received her PhD degree at University of Belgrade, in neuro science area in 2016. Her research interests include hand grip, manual therapy, physical examination, quality of life, etc.