Understanding Physician Use of Online Systems: An Empirical Assessment of an Electronic Disability Evaluation System

Abstract

This chapter develops a conceptual model for physician acceptance and tests this socio-work structure model using a nationwide survey of physicians (n = 141). The domain focus of this study is physician acceptance of online disability evaluation systems for generating and managing medical examination reports. The survey measured whether behavioral intention to use the new system varied as a function of IT infrastructure, organizational readiness relating to IT, physician experience with computer use in clinical settings, and both specific and general attitudes toward online system use in clinical settings. Survey findings suggest that each of these factors affects behavioral intent to use online disability evaluation systems and that these factors are more important than generalized attitudes toward online systems or socio-demographic predictors. Findings suggest that work-practice variables are important when considering physicians use of online systems. The chapter concludes with a discussion of implications for devising advanced testing systems that can be used to ensure active physician participation in medical informatics systems