Exploring the Usage Intentions of Wearable Medical Devices: A Demonstration Study

BACKGROUND: In the face of an aging society, an immediate and preventive medical system urgently needs to be established, and the application of wearable devices is essential. However, the application of smart medical care in Taiwan is still not widespread, and few studies have explored the related issues of wearable medical device usage. Thus, determining the success of a wearable medical device mainly depends on the degree of user adoption and use.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the intention to use wearable medical devices.

METHODS: This study applied the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to build a comprehensive model that explains intentions to use wearable medical devices.

RESULTS: The research findings showed that health consciousness and trust were the strongest predictors of intentions to use wearable medical devices.

CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the magnitudes of the impacts of the variables in a well-accepted revised UTAUT model in the context of the medical industry, particularly in the setting of wearable medical devices. Several important implications for academics and industry decision-makers can be formulated from these results.