An extension of the UTAUT 2 in a healthcare context

With a significant rise in smartphone ownership, and a rapid expansion of the healthcare applications market, it is important to explore the factors that impact user acceptance of mobile technology in healthcare to better tailor applications to meet the needs of end users. Whilst theoretical models for technology acceptance have been thoroughly explored there is sparse literature regarding its use in a healthcare context. Qualitative primary data collection in the form of focus groups was conducted for three age groups, 15-30, 31-50, and 51+. Views on acceptance of mobile technology in healthcare and the factors that affect the adoption of technology for healthcare purposes were explored using thematic analysis. The results of this study identified 17 mechanisms by which age moderates the 7 constructs of the UTAUT2 model and the extent to which each of these mechanisms had an impact on the constructs. Based on these findings an extension to the UTAUT2 model for mobile IT in a healthcare context has been proposed, which may be used in the development of future applications (Apps).