Why Do People Use Telemedicine Apps in the Post-COVID-19 Era? Expanded TAM with E-Health Literacy and Social Influence

Abstract

This study delves into the determinants influencing individuals’ intentions to adopt telemedicine apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to offer a comprehensive framework for understanding behavioral intentions by leveraging the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), supplemented by e-health literacy and social influence variables. The study analyzes survey data from 364 adults using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to empirically examine the internal relationships within the model. Results indicated that e-health literacy, attitude, and social influence significantly impacted the intention to use telemedicine apps. Notably, e-health literacy positively influenced both perceived usefulness and ease of use, expanding beyond mere usage intention. The study underscored the substantial role of social influence in predicting the intention to use telemedicine apps, challenging the traditional oversight of social influence in the TAM framework. The findings will help researchers, practitioners, and governments understand how social influence and e-health literacy influence the adoption of telehealth apps and promote the use of telehealth apps through enhancing social influence and e-health literacy.