Understanding Adoption Intentions for Blockchain-based Personal Health Records

Blockchain-based personal health record (PHR) is an impending blockchain use case that supports patient-centered care and interoperability in the healthcare industry. This paper studies the adoption of blockchain-based PHR by individuals. It proposes a multi-perspective theoretical framework containing the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and initial trust model (ITM) to understand how individuals’ perceptions and formation of trust prior to adoption may contribute to their behavioral intention toward adopting blockchain-based medical records. This research empirically tested this model using a cross-sectional questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to conduct data analysis. The results validate the theoretical model and demonstrate full support for the ITM and partial support for the UTUAT. Entrants in the blockchain-based PHR market are advised to create trustworthy systems, consider partnering with healthcare institutions to boost institution-based trust and design solutions that meet the performance expectations of users.

Blockchain-based personal health record (PHR), Patient-centered healthcare, Behavioral intention to adopt, Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), Initial trust model (ITM)

Conference (external link, opens in new window)