A cross-sectional investigation of acceptance of health information technology: A nationwide survey of community pharmacists in Turkey

BackgroundHealth information technologies have become vital to health care services. In that regard, successful use of information technologies in pharmaceutical services is important to manage, control and maintain pharmaceutical transactions, which increase the quality of health care delivery.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify influencing factors on pharmacists' acceptance of pharmaceutical service systems.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted employing a research model based on technology acceptance theories. A parsimonious model was developed, and a self-reported questionnaire was distributed online. Community pharmacists participated voluntarily via the website of Turkish Pharmacists' Association. The data was analyzed employing Structural Equation Modeling.ResultsFrom 77 out of 81 cities of Turkey, 2169 community pharmacists participated to the survey with 43% response rate. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system factors and perceived behavioral control explained 47% of total variance in pharmacists' intention to use the pharmaceutical technology.ConclusionThe findings of the research provided insight about relations of influencing factors and practical implications regarding perceived behaviors and system use. Future researchers would benefit from the study design and findings. The study is also valuable for being the first nationwide study conducted on pharmacists about user attitudes toward a technology.