Influence of doctor-patient trust on the adoption of mobile medical applications during the epidemic: a UTAUT-based analysis

Abstract

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This study examines the factors influencing users’ intention to continue using mobile medical apps within the framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Through a combination of questionnaire surveys and interviews, the research finds that doctor-patient trust, Performance Expectancy (PE), social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly impact users’ intention to utilize mobile medical apps. Furthermore, the study reveals the moderating effect of doctor-patient trust on social influence, indicating an increased trust level during the epidemic, attributed to positive media coverage, complimentary medical services, and risk-sharing initiatives. These results provide valuable insights for the field of internet healthcare, COVID-19 response strategies, health information management, and the advancement of digital health technologies, spotlighting the pivotal roles of trust, PE, and social influence in fostering sustained engagement with mobile health apps.

Keywords

• internet health care
• COVID-19
• health information management
• digital health
• UTAUT