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

Authors: Getnet B. Fanta; Leon Pretorius; Louwrence D. Erasmus

Addresses: Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa ' Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa ' Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: The sustained use of eHealth is influenced by the dynamic and nonlinear interactions of technological, social, organisational 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-organisational 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-organisational 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-organisational dimension. Therefore, retaining skilled workforces in the healthcare organisation should be the focus in the techno-organisational dimension of sustainable eHealth implementation to increase the 'acceptance rate' of eHMIS and SmartCare in Ethiopia.

Keywords: techno-organisation; eHealth; SmartCare; ICT for health; digital health; EMR; eHMIS; technology acceptance; system dynamics modelling; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2022.126431

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2022 Vol.14 No.5/6, pp.666 - 705

Received: 04 Jun 2020
Accepted: 20 Feb 2021
Published online: 26 Oct 2022 *

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