The adoption of new health information and communication technology: Perception of the abilities to use new technology and possibilities to get help at it

Abstract

The paper examines the adoption of new health information and communications technologies (ICT) among different groups of Icelanders, as well as how they perceive their abilities to use new ICT and their possibilities to receive help at it. Data was collected by a survey. Differences across age, sex, and education were examined. The results revealed that new ICT had only been adopted to a limited extent. In addition, the possibilities to do so were not regarded to be good, as the participants found it difficult both to start using new ICT and to get help at using technology when they needed it. The study concludes that for people to be ready to accept new health ICT and take it into use they need support through training as well as technical support.