Factors influencing the mobile instant messaging application usage behaviours among home healthcare providers

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To explore the practice related to mobile instant messaging applications usage among home healthcare providers in Taiwan; and based on the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology and perceived risk theory to examine the influencing factors.

Background: Previous work has indicated the potential for using mobile instant messaging applications in chronic disease, disasters and public health emergencies. However, few studies have conducted to understand how healthcare professionals use them.

Design: A cross-sectional design was used in the study.

Methods: A wide-ranging empirical investigation was conducted in Taiwan. A total of 102 home agencies participated in this study, and 331 valid data were collected. The ODS guideline was followed.

Results: 69% of the participants had used mobile instant messaging applications, with high functionality and interesting value can integrate various messages and contribute to adoption. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence were significantly positively correlated with behavioral intention. The perceived risk had a significant negative correlation with performance expectancy and use behavior. Among the relevant influencing factors, different types of organization, job position, and institutional policy were related to significant differences in use behaviors.

Conclusions: Our research reported on mobile instant messaging applications usage and behavioral intention among home healthcare providers. This study also highlighted the need to establish regulations within the applications and improve safety and security guidelines. Further research may extend the understanding of the organizations' influencing factors.

Relevance to clinical practice: This study may help programmers, managers and policymakers improve their strategies for expanding usage of mobile instant messaging applications.

Keywords: home health care; mobile instant messaging application; perceived risk; smartphones; unified theory of acceptance and use of technology.