An intention to use mobile applications for medical supplies and equipment ordering in clinics

Abstract

This research developed a mobile medical supplies and equipment ordering app (MMSEOA) model and attempted to validate it empirically. When customers (clinic doctors) make purchases on the app, two types of reasons can be identified: “reasons for” include enduring involvement (emotions), product description, and awareness (familiarity) while the “reasons against”, were demonstrated as perceived risk and resistance to change (fear). This study aimed to strengthen and illuminate the most significant dimensions that enhance a doctor's understanding of MMSEOA and the intention to use it. Furthermore, this research investigated the model's applicability among clinic doctors in Jordan. The model was empirically examined using a sample of 342 Jordanian clinic doctors and their secretaries who use mobile services in general. The survey method, a quantitative approach, was utilized; the partial least squares structural equation modeling system was used to investigate the proposed framework. The results demonstrate that these “reasons for” positively influenced the intention to use the MMSEOA except product description. Similarly, reasons against negatively influence the customers' intention to use the MMSEOA app, while perceived risk had no effect on the intention to use. These findings suggested that researchers should focus more on the services, products, and the main function of the MMSEOA to determine their influences on customers' intention to use. This will improve the buying habits related to purchasing medical supplies using MMSEOA and other online platforms, specifically in Jordan and the Middle East at large.