Abstract:
Introduction: The rapid adoption of smartphones, especially
in low- and middle-income countries, has opened up novel
ways to deliver health care, including diagnosis and management
of burns. This study was conducted to measure acceptability
and to identify factors that influence health care
provider’s attitudes toward m-health technology for emergency
care of burn patients.
Methods: An extended version of the technology acceptance
model (TAM) was used to assess the acceptability toward using
m-health for burns. A questionnaire was distributed to health
professionals at four hospitals in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The questionnaire was based on several validated instruments
and has previously been adopted for the sub-Saharan context.
It measured constructs, including acceptability, usefulness, ease
of use, social influences, and voluntariness. Univariate analysis
was used to test our proposed hypotheses, and structural
equation modeling was used to test the extended version of TAM.
Results: In our proposed test-model based on TAM, we found
a significant relationship between compatibility—usefulness
and usefulness—attitudes. The univariate analysis further revealed
some differences between subgroups. Almost all health
professionals in our sample already use smartphones for work purposes and were positive about using smartphones for burn
consultations. Despite participants perceiving the application
to be easy to use, they suggested that training and ongoing
support should be available. Barriers mentioned include access to
wireless internet and access to hospital-provided smartphones.
