Factors affecting wearable ECG device adoption by general practitioners for atrial fibrillation screening: cross-sectional study

Yi Yao; Zhichao Li; Yi He; Yalin Zhang; Zhaoxia Guo; Yi Lei; Qian Zhao; Dongze Li; Zhi Zhang; Yonggang Zhang; Xiaoyang Liao

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128127

Factors affecting wearable ECG device adoption by general practitioners for atrial fibrillation screening: cross-sectional study

Front Public Health. 2023 May 5:11:1128127. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128127. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Yi Yao¹, Zhichao Li², Yi He^{1

3}, Yalin Zhang¹, Zhaoxia Guo⁴, Yi Lei¹, Qian Zhao¹, Dongze Li⁵, Zhi Zhang⁶, Yonggang Zhang⁷, Xiaoyang Liao¹

Affiliations

¹ General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
² Day Surgery Center, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
³ Chengdu Seventh People Hospital, Chengdu, China.
⁴ Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
⁵ Department of Emergency Medicine and Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
⁶ Chengdu Shuangliu District Xihanggang Community Hospital, Chengdu, China.
⁷ Department of Periodical Press and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a challenging cardiovascular disease worldwide. Wearable electrocardiograph devices (WEDs) have great potential to improve the detection rate of AF in primary care. However, the factors that influence general practitioners' (GPs) perception and acceptance of WEDs are not well understood. To identify factors that influence the intention of GPs to utilize WEDs in a clinical setting to screen patients for AF.

Method: The research hypotheses and questionnaire items were designed and developed based on the unified theory of acceptance and technology (UTAUT) framework. We used stratified sampling and obtained the data through an online survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the collected data.Results: A total of 1,004 valid questionnaires from GPs across Sichuan province in China were collected. Three factors increased GPs' intention to utilize WEDs to screen patients for AF, including performance expectancy (β = 0.121, p = 0.004), social influence (β = 0.356, p < 0.001), and price perception (β = 0.587, p < 0.001). Perception risk (β = -0.059, p < 0.001) decreased usage intention, while effort expectancy (β = -0.079, p = 0.155) and facilitating conditions (β = -0.014, p = 0.868) did not affect usage intention. Gender (β = -0.022, p = 0.179), age (β = 0.006, p = 0.699), education level (β = -0.22, p = 0.184) and training (β = 0.007, p = 0.69) were not significantly correlated with usage intention, and these four factors had no moderating effect on the path coefficients.

Discussion: GPs' intention to utilize WEDs is affected by performance expectancy, price perception, perception risk and social influence. Researcher should improve the usability and perception of WEDs for screening and carry out studies to provide high-quality evidence for the security and efficacy of wearable devices.

Keywords: UTAUT; atrial fibrillation; general practitioner; influencing factors; intention; screening; wearable ECG device.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
Cross-Sectional Studies
Electrocardiography
General Practitioners*
Humans
Wearable Electronic Devices*