International Journal of
Innovation, Management and Technology

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the adopter category rate of patients utilizing telehealth channels, with their corresponding perceived attribute value or the factors that seek to explain how, why and at what rate the technology (in this case telehealth) can be adopted. It was conducted using mixed methods technique. A survey questionnaire anchored on the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory was deployed to obtain quantitative measures in identifying rate of adopters and the scales corresponding to their perceived attribute value. After which a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held to validate the descriptive statistical results and to further understand the link between perceived innovation attributes and the intention to adopt telehealth e-consultations, as proposed by the diffusion of innovationstheory. Furthermore, results from the Focus Group Discussion(FGD) paved for interpretation and understanding of otherfactors influencing individuals to use telehealth e-consultationsin the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is interesting tonote that early adopters to late majority have also adoptedtelehealth primarily due to the social circumstances (fear ofacquiring the virus) but would still prefer traditional face toface consultations if permitted -which explains and validatescompatibility/trialability as their resulting perceived attributevalue. Telehealth innovation adoption (e-consultation) ofnumerous clinics have rendered significant efforts on their useand utilization of telemedicine since the coronavirus epidemicbegan last March 2020. A greater emphasis on patientexperience, providing a relative benefit of healthcare, andconserving expenses, time, and energy has been ascribed toincrease telehealth adoption and implementation.