Factors influencing the adoption of e-health services by the patients

Abstract

In this study, an extended version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to understand the factors that could influence the behavior of the patients. Besides the „typical” TAM variables (positive attitude or technological readiness), this study explores the role of social and individual benefits and COVID-19 anxiety on the willingness to try and intention to use and the actual usage and satisfaction in a country in the Central and Eastern European region. This extension and the chosen region add novelty to the research. The results of linear and logit regression analysis based on an online questionnaire show that the individual benefits and positive attitudes have a high impact on the trying and using intention, but the perceived social benefits do not have significant effect. These results highlight the importance of awareness campaigns that point out the personal benefits of e-health and dispel the general distrust of the technology.