Using the technology acceptance model to examine acceptance of telemedicine by cancer patients in an ambulatory care setting

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine has demonstrated benefits for cancer patients including the potential to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. Since June 2020, teleconsultations have been implemented in the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Objectives: This study aims to assess cancer patients acceptance of telemedicine as a complement to traditional in-person care and identify factors affecting their acceptance. Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire was designed using a modified technology acceptance model (TAM) previously validated to predict acceptance of telemedicine by patients and factors affecting acceptance. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data on demographic factors and TAM construct scores. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine how demographics factors and TAM constructs influenced acceptance. Results: Respondents (n = 278; mean age 59 years) were mostly female (67.6%), Chinese (86.3%) and received parenteral chemotherapy (72.6%). Technology access and confidence were generally moderate to high, while past telemedicine use was low (18%). Overall, more than half (59.7%) expressed acceptance. The odds of acceptance were significantly higher if respondents agreed that their healthcare access would improve by using telemedicine (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.71–10.16) or they would have the necessary resources for using telemedicine (OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.30–8.97). Conclusion: Acceptance of telemedicine was high amongst respondents. Facilitating conditions such as having necessary resources and perceived improved access were identified as main predictors of high acceptance. Telemedicine services should work to improve these aspects, leverage on advantages and address disadvantages brought up by patients.