PUBLIC ADOPTION OF TELEHEALTH TECHNOLOGY IN THAILAND
Keywords:
TOE, Telehealth, Telemedicine, Technology adoptionAbstract
This study examines key determinants and challenges in the public adoption of telehealth technology in Thailand. It aims to provide managerial implication for Thai healthcare and telecommunication policy makers in designing and planning for the nation-wide adoption of the telehealth technology, in order to remedy long-standing healthcare problems including a medical staff shortage and an inefficient care delivery. In addition, it aims to contribute to the existing telehealth technology adoption literature in the context of rural areas where environmental factors could play a major role in a successful adoption. The TOE was employed as the framework to conduct a qualitative study using an in-depth interview a 12 out of 35 Thai public primary, secondary, tertiary and specialized care centers, participated in the pilot phase of the Telehealth project which was initiated by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) of Thailand and the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Findings reveal that the compatibility with disparate legacy information technology systems, the disagreement over the balance between data privacy and data usage, and the ineffectiveness in the requirement gathering process from key stakeholders are main technological barriers for adoption. Furthermore, organizational factors including the continuous infrastructure and financial supports, the work process redesigning, the digital literacy training, and the motivation schemes for a sustainable adoption are cited to be crucial determinants. Lastly, concerned policy makers need to take into consideration environmental factors including the needs for systematic collaboration among care centers at all levels, the belief in a physical meeting between care providers and receivers, and the regulatory risks related to data privacy and intellectual property rights, for a successful adoption of the telehealth technology nationwide.References
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