South African physicians’ acceptance of e-prescribing technology: an empirical test of a modified UTAUT model

Abstract

<jats:p>E-prescribing systems hold promise for improving the quality and efficiency of the scripting process. Yet, the use of the technology has been associated with a number of challenges. The diffusion of e-prescribing into physician practices and the consequent realisation of its potential benefits will depend on whether physicians are willing to accept and engage with the technology. This study draws on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and recent literature on user trust in technology to develop and test a model of the factors influencing South African physicians’ acceptance of e-prescribing. Data was collected from a sample of 72 physicians. Results indicate a general acceptance of e-prescribing amongst physicians who on average reported strong intentions to use e-prescribing technologies if given the opportunity. PLS analysis revealed that physicians’ performance expectancies and perceptions of facilitating conditions had significant direct effects on acceptance whilst trust and effort expectancy had important indirect effects. Social influence and price value perceptions did not add additional explanatory power. The model explained 63% of the variation in physician acceptance.</jats:p>

Factors Affecting in Adoption and Use of Electronic Medical Record Based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology in Iran

“…Although, the result of Jason et al's study (19) is consistent with the results of our study, the result of this part of the study is not consistent with those of the Wills et al (15) and Holtz and Krein's studies (27). Although, most of the previous studies signify the relationship between social influences and use intention of technology, this study shows that there is no significant relationship between these two factors.…”

“…the acceptance and use of technology (17). Jason et al in a study entitled "south African physicians' acceptance of e-prescribing technology: an empirical test of a modified UTAUT model" concluded that the facilitating conditions have the most important influence on the acceptance of e-prescribing; also, the cost and the social influence had the lowest effect on the use of acceptance of e-prescribing by physicians (19). In a study entitled "Using the UTAUT Model to Explore Iranian Physicians and Nurses' Intention to Adopt Electronic Patient Records" conducted by Hamidfar et al the relationship between the parameters of UTAUT and behavioral intention was investigated among 113 physicians and nurses of Toos, Shariaty, and Dey hospitals of Tehran city by using a questionnaire.…”

Implementation of electronic scripts in South Africa

“…[7] The e-prescribing system ensures the provision of enough specific and required information to fill a prescription. Warning and alert systems at the point of care may assist in averting adverse drug events.…”

“…The system also improves formulary adherence to the patient's health plan or insurance, permitting substitution of less expensive drug alternatives. [7] Furthermore, automated prescription renewals may be submitted, increasing patient convenience. Clinicians using e-prescribing systems can manage their patients' medications safely and efficiently and also have the convenience of greater prescribing mobility.…”

“…Clinicians using e-prescribing systems can manage their patients' medications safely and efficiently and also have the convenience of greater prescribing mobility. [7] Furthermore, downloading scripts electronically will not only reduce the patient's waiting time at the pharmacy but allow pharmacists to dispense more scripts per day and to provide an increased professional service and counselling of patients.…”