Factors supporting the intention to use e-prescribing systems: health professionals' use of technology in a voluntary setting

Abstract

Illegible written prescriptions and “Doctor’s handwriting” may have been synonymous, but this stereotype has begun to change with the gradual uptake of e-prescriptions. These eprescriptions are electronically captured and delivered prescriptions, and are touted as the solution to the many medical risks caused by written prescriptions. Whilst there is published support for the benefits of e-prescriptions, the uptake of e-prescribing has been too gradual for all patients to enjoy these benefits. The inadequate research into physicians’ adoption of e-prescribing systems presents a need for further study in this area, in an effort to improve the general use of these systems. Based on a review of literature, this study proposes six factors which may explain physicians’ intentions to use e-prescribing systems. These factors are based upon the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This model is extended in this study by Social Dominance Theory, Commitment-Trust Theory and the Product Evaluation Model. Quantitative data was collected to test the proposed hypotheses. This data was gathered from physicians who have had some exposure to an e-prescription system. 72 usable responses were obtained for this study. The results of the study suggest that Performance Expectancy and Price Value have the highest influence on Behavioural Intention. Effort Expectancy and Social Influence had no direct influence on Behavioural Intention when in the presence of other variables, but they, along with Trust, had an indirect effect on Behavioural Intention through Performance Expectancy. Surprisingly, Social Dominance Orientation was not found to have an influence on Behavioural Intention. Implications, contributions and further research are discussed.