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| Author | Stephen Abela |
| Abstract | Information Technology (IT) plays a key role in the implementation of major reforms in healthcare. Such strategic plans demand that healthcare employees have a good knowledge of IT and are ready to integrate the use of computers at their work. However physicians may not necessarily realise the potential benefits and may not choose to adopt IT in clinical practice. Over the last two decades several researchers have investigated the psychological theories underlying technology acceptance. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), developed by Fred Davis in 1989, identified the constructs of Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) as predictors of Usage and Acceptance. The research has been applied to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The aim of this research was to investigate the applicability of the TAM to Doctors in the Maltese Public Healthcare System. The study population consisted of doctors employed within the Public Healthcare System that was sampled using a randomized stratified technique. The six categories included House Officers, Senior House Officers, Registrars/Senior Registrars, Consultants, Doctors in Public Health and Primary Care. A postal survey based on Davis' instrument was used to collect the data. Information on Computer Usage, Patient Administration System (PAS) Usage and Satisfaction with the PAS were also incorporated in the questionnaire. A focus group discussion was subsequently conducted to obtain qualitative information and a more in-depth understanding of the reasons why doctors would resist adopting IT and the PAS. |
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| Key words | Thesis, Health Services Management, Doctors, Public Health Care System |