Factors Related to Prediction of Integrated E-Health Systems Acceptance by Physicians in Fars and Boushehr Provinces, Iran

The structure of health care in developing countries demands the development of integrated systems of information technology in the medical field. However, the acceptance of physicians is a major obstacle to establishing e-health systems in such countries. Hence, the present study examined a developed model of the factors affecting the acceptance of integrated e-health systems by Iranian physicians.
This was a correlational study and the study population included the physicians working in the Fars and Bushehr Provinces, Iran. The sample consisted of 310 participants who were selected through stage cluster sampling and were asked to complete the Information Technology Diffusion in Healthcare Questionnaire. Path analysis and multiple regression technique were employed to explore the research model.
Beta coefficient was found to be significant in paths existing in the model and different indices also indicated the appropriate fitness of the data to the model. In addition, behavioral intention in using integrated e-health care systems is significantly affected by the two factors of perceived convenience and usefulness.
Based on the findings of this research, policy-makers are recommended to take into account the 6 factors mentioned in the present study which are related to the acceptance of e-health systems in order to lay the appropriate cultural foundation to establish integrated e-health systems.