Techno-organisational factors of eHealth acceptance : a system dynamics model

Abstract

The sustained use of eHealth is influenced by the dynamic and nonlinear interactions of technological, social, organizational and economic factors. However, most eHealth implementation frameworks are modelled linearly without capturing the complex relationship among elements of the ecosystem to ensure technology acceptance. The model-based theory-building research approach followed in this study aimed at enhancing the understanding of techno-organizational factors’ influence on the acceptance of eHealth technology. A qualitative research approach and system dynamics modelling are applied to develop a system dynamic model of techno-organizational factors of eHealth acceptance. The ‘average workforce turnover’ showed a stronger influence on the simulated ‘acceptance rate’ of both eHMIS and SmartCare systems in the techno-organizational dimension. Therefore, retaining skilled workforces in the healthcare organization should be the focus in the techno-organizational dimension of sustainable eHealth implementation to increase the ‘acceptance rate’ of eHMIS and SmartCare in Ethiopia.