The Patient Technology Acceptance Model (PTAM) for homecare patients with chronic illness

Abstract

Health information technologies are increasingly being used to support patient self-management during the home recovery process for chronically ill homecare patients. While in theory these technologies may provide better access to information and resources to patients, thus possibly improving health outcomes, there is a risk that patients will not use the technology. As such, it is essential to understand what causes patients to accept technologies prior to implementation. Existing technology acceptance models may not apply to an elderly patient population because most models were developed studying healthy college students or healthy employees. The elderly, and specifically elderly with chronic illnesses, may accept or reject technology for reasons different from those previously identified. This study developed the patient technology acceptance model to better understand what key factors predict patient intention to use health information technologies.