Telemedicine is expanding as a significant research theme, driven by advancements in information technology which have emerged as major changes in the healthcare sector and impacted sustainable development. Although consumers have a favorable inclination, there is not enough comprehensive research on their behavioral intentions to utilize telemedicine in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the need to examine the factors that drive these intentions. To fill this research gap, the current study investigated aspects that influence consumers’ behavioral intention to use telemedicine, utilizing the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) paradigm.
The developed model in this quantitative study was evaluated considering cross-sectional data obtained from 576 residents in the UAE. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Moreover, the study measured the moderating effect of technology visibility and evaluated the effect of control variables – age, gender, nationality, and place of residence.
Research findings indicate that compatibility, trialability and credibility (Stimuli) are positively related to perceived trust (Organism), while compatibility and credibility are positively associated with perceived usefulness (Organism), and trialability is positively related to perceived ease of use (Organism). Furthermore, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use both had a positive association with behavioral intention (Response). Technology visibility was found to be a significant moderator in the association between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention.
The study presents significant implications for researchers, telemedicine service providers, policymakers, healthcare developers, and government.
The study’s findings extend the adoption of technology literature in healthcare and provide a new insights of adoption dynamics. The results offer practical insights to help healthcare authorities and companies promote telemedicine by addressing patient concerns and designing community-centered services aligned with their needs to promote sustainable development.
