What Drives Private Hospitals to Adopt Blockchain-Based Telemedicine? Case Study in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
摘要
The inclusion of blockchain technology has been revolutionizing the healthcare sector in recent years. It has great significance when combined with telemedicine services, which can improve healthcare delivery to people beyond their geographical boundaries. The current study has focused on understanding the factors that influence the intention to use this blockchain-based telemedicine system in private hospitals located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Based on literature, five variables have been considered for this study, including perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, relative advantage, regulatory support, and trust. A total of 150 respondents across private hospitals in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were involved in this research. Using structural equation modelling (SEM)-based partial least square (PLS), the results show that there are statistically significant relationships between independent variables like perceived usefulness and trust and the dependent variable intention to use blockchain-based telemedicine services. Other independent variables like perceived ease of use, relative advantage and regulatory support have no statistically significant and positive relationship with intention to use. This research is crucial for the healthcare sector and policy makers for developing strategies and policies at healthcare institutions related to technologies adoption. The findings can be used as a basis to understand different factors before introducing blockchain-based telemedicine services in healthcare organizations.