Extending the Utility of UTAUT2 for Hospital Patients’ Adoption of Medical Apps: Moderating Effects of e-Health Literacy

Abstract

Hospitals have begun to provide their own apps to improve the efficiency of hospital services. This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of medical apps by hospital patients by using a theoretical model that combines the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with the concept of e-health literacy and personal innovativeness (PI). Data were obtained from responses to a paper-based self-reported questionnaire issued to patients at a hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Of the 650 distributed questionnaires, we received 629 completed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 96.8%. The responses to the completed questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Partial least squares regression was used for model and hypothesis testing. The data were analyzed using an SEM approach to test ten hypotheses; significant support was observed for five of these hypotheses. The results indicated that habit, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and PI had significant positive effects on the usage intention (UI) of individuals, thereby confirming that e-health literacy moderates the association between performance expectancy and UI. This research contributes to the current understanding of adoption of hospital medical apps by patients. The findings are expected to assist hospitals in deciding whether to consider medical apps when investing in information technology.