A Pathway to Sustainable Health During COVID-19 Pandemic: Digital Health Services

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to examine the effect of health information orientation on attitudes toward using digital health services and explore the mediating role of e-health literacy in this relationship. We also tested the impact of attitudes toward using digital health services on digital health service use intention. We collected data through an online survey method. A total of 520 respondents participated, and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that people who are health information oriented and capable of finding and utilizing e-health information have positive attitudes and intention toward using digital health service. Variables in the model explain 60% of the variance in digital health service use intention. This study confirmed the partial mediating role of e-health literacy on the relationship between health information orientation and attitudes toward using digital health services. Future research is needed to explore whether these relationships are confirmed in a specific health context. Furthermore, comparing the digital health service usage attitudes and intentions of people who have and do not have chronic illnesses can also be insightful. Cross-cultural comparisons may also add to the knowledge related to the adoption of digital health services. We conducted this study during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey and explored the digital health service use intention partly within the Theory of Reasoned Action framework. We have also tried to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals with our research results.

Omnichannel Communication to Boost Patient Engagement and Behavioral Change With Digital Health Interventions

“…The consumer technology omnichannel approach is therefore being considered the state-of-the-art and a reference for other industries [ 42 ]. Regarding the patient digital behavior, studies show that individuals who seek and are capable of utilizing eHealth information are also more open to use health services provided digitally [ 43 ]. Accordingly, health care companies and public sector utilize new ways of doing marketing, where medical science liaisons—services for patients and health care professionals—use increasingly more digital means besides the traditional in-person communication channel [ 44 ].…”