Understanding the Patients’ Usage of Contactless Healthcare Services: Evidence from the Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

This study aims to investigate patients’ behavioral intention toward the adoption of contactless healthcare applications in the post- COVID-19 pandemic era. Therefore, the study model extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with the task technology fit (TTF) model, personal innovativeness, and avoidance of personal interaction to determine patients’ intention to adopt contactless healthcare applications for medical purposes. A research questionnaire was conducted on Jordanian citizens in a voluntary environment. In response, 383 valid questionnaires were retrieved. The study model is empirically analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings of the structural model imply that was jointly predicted by UTAUT constructs, TTF, and API and explained substantial variance R2 78.4% in user behavior to adopt contactless healthcare applications. The current research contributes to theory by extending the UTAUT with the TTF model, API, and PI and enriching information systems literature in the context of users’ intention to adopt e-health technology. Practically, this research suggests that healthcare services providers should focus on IT fitness including internet-enabled devices and the number of facilities to operate the healthcare applications which in turn boost individual confidence towards the adoption of contactless healthcare technology. This research develops a unique model that examines user behavior towards the adoption of contactless healthcare technology to improve the healthcare industry. The findings of this research provide an answer on how to recover from COVID-19 repercussions on the healthcare sector while using such applications. Moreover, this study provides guidelines for clinical management through a virtual setting and guides health consultants, applications developers, and designers to design user-friendly applications for e-healthcare purposes.