Patients’ attitudes toward the use of IoT medical devices: empirical evidence from Romania

The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare sector is the collection of medical devices and applications that connect through online computer networks. The purpose of this study is to analyse the acceptance of medical devices that are based on IoT technology and monitor the health of individuals/patients. Most IoT medical initiatives have been focused on remote monitoring, improving patient care through various sensors and data processing those measures, for example, patients’ vital signs. In medical services trust plays a key role in the patients’ decision to adopt IoT technologies in medical industry. For this analysis, the Technology Acceptance Model was adopted in order to explain the way users accept and utilize these new medical devices that are based on IoT technology. The model was also used in order to identify those factors that influence the patients’ decision of accepting this technology and also analyse the way they use it. Cross-sectional data were collected from 96 patients through a survey. Data were then analysed by means of multiple regression analysis. The findings verified the research hypotheses. Thus, different securities challenges could face the adoption of the IoT. In addition, privacy requirements are another major challenge in using these technologies. Risks arise where devices and applications are untested, resulting in issues with interoperability, stability, compatibility and data security. For the elderly and people with disabilities, these IoT provisions are very useful in providing autonomy, a personalized approach and permanent monitoring. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of the study are discusses.