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User acceptability of blockchain technology for enabling electronic health record exchange

Lilly Marie Baltruschat (Faculty of Science and Engineering, University College Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
Vikas Jaiman (Institute of Data Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands)
Visara Urovi (Institute of Data Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Journal of Systems and Information Technology

ISSN: 1328-7265

Article publication date: 21 June 2023

Issue publication date: 17 July 2023

250

Abstract

Purpose

Blockchain systems have been proposed as a solution for exchanging electronic health records (EHR) because they enable data sharing in decentralised networks. This paper aims to analyse the user acceptability of blockchain technology in enabling EHR exchange and to formulate practical implications for increasing user acceptability.

Design/methodology/approach

A technology acceptance model [extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model] was used as a framework to measure the effects of 13 factors. The authors conducted a survey and analysed data from 214 participants using partial least square path modelling.

Findings

The acceptance of blockchain for EHR sharing is positively influenced by performance expectancy, social influence and perceived trust. Effort expectancy and facilitating conditions do not influence acceptance. The UTAUT model explains the variance in acceptance at 58.4%. Self-efficacy influences effort expectancy, incentives influence facilitating conditions and security predicts perceived trust.

Practical implications

Three implications are drawn: (1) Users need to clearly understand system’s purpose, functions, security mechanism and environmental impacts. (2) Users are incentivised to share health data via a blockchain solution if the technology offers personalising options and health information. (3) Health personnel can socially impact patients to use blockchain-based solutions.

Originality/value

Studies have shown that blockchain technology is a valuable solution for exchanging EHR. The novelty of this work is to identify how and why patients may accept this emerging technology for EHR exchange.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by the NWO Aspasia (Grant 91716421) and by REALM EU (Grant 101095435, https://doi.org/10.3030/101095435).

Citation

Baltruschat, L.M., Jaiman, V. and Urovi, V. (2023), "User acceptability of blockchain technology for enabling electronic health record exchange", Journal of Systems and Information Technology, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 268-295. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSIT-09-2022-0225

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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