Paving the way for increased e-health record use: elaborating intentions of Gen-Z
- For policymakers
- Summary created: 2024
Examines the determinants of Gen-Z’s intention to adopt and use personal electronic health records (PAEHRs) in Turkey, highlighting the effects of social influence, performance expectancy, privacy concerns, and trust in the health system.
This summary, including its recommendations and ideas, was created by Gökhan Aydin and is based on original research. The original research itself was conducted in collaboration with the following researcher.
Generation Z (Gen-Z), born between 1995 and 2010, is highly digitally adept, making this demographic a crucial yet under-researched group for understanding e-health adoption patterns, particularly for personal electronic health records (PAEHRs) in Turkey. PAEHR systems, such as Turkey’s e-pulse (e-nabiz), allow individuals to access their health information, including diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and laboratory results, thus supporting patient engagement and health management. Given Gen-Z’s familiarity with digital technology and potential influence on older family members’ health technology adoption, understanding the factors that impact Gen-Z’s use of PAEHRs can offer insights into maximizing the adoption of e-health systems among broader populations. However, despite potential benefits, concerns such as privacy and data security remain significant barriers for users. This study explores the psychological and contextual factors influencing Gen-Z’s intentions to adopt and use PAEHRs through a survey of Turkish university students with prior e-pulse experience, focusing on constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).
Insights
Social influence is the strongest predictor of Gen-Z's intention to adopt PAEHR systems.
Evidence
In this sample, social influence emerged as the most substantial factor shaping intentions to use PAEHRs. This aligns with existing findings that Gen-Z's decisions are strongly impacted by peer and social networks.
What it means
Leveraging social influence through peer and influencer endorsements may be an effective strategy to encourage PAEHR adoption among Gen-Z.
Performance expectancy has a significant positive impact on Gen-Z's intention to use PAEHRs.
Evidence
Respondents rated the perceived usefulness of PAEHRs highly, particularly in managing health needs such as access to test results, prescriptions, and appointment scheduling. Performance expectancy was found to be a strong predictor of continued usage intentions.
What it means
Emphasizing practical benefits, such as health management convenience, could reinforce positive intentions toward PAEHR adoption in younger users.
Privacy concerns act as a significant barrier to PAEHR adoption among Gen-Z.
Evidence
Privacy concerns, specifically about unauthorized access and potential misuse of personal health data, were a major factor deterring adoption, with 16% of non-users citing it as a reason for avoiding PAEHR systems.
What it means
Addressing privacy concerns, through clear data protection measures and transparency around data handling practices, may reduce reluctance and foster greater acceptance of PAEHRs.
Trust in healthcare institutions helps mitigate privacy concerns but does not directly impact PAEHR adoption intentions.
Evidence
While trust in the healthcare system reduced the impact of privacy concerns, it did not significantly influence the overall intention to adopt PAEHRs. This finding contrasts with studies on older demographics, where trust more directly impacts adoption.
What it means
Trust-building efforts should target alleviating privacy concerns rather than directly attempting to increase adoption, as trust indirectly supports usage intentions by easing privacy-related anxieties.
E-health literacy is positively associated with PAEHR usage intentions among Gen-Z.
Evidence
Participants with higher self-reported e-health literacy, indicating confidence in accessing and evaluating online health information, exhibited stronger intentions to use PAEHRs. Additionally, 10% of non-users indicated insufficient familiarity with the system as a barrier.
What it means
Promoting e-health literacy, particularly among less digitally proficient users, may facilitate greater PAEHR adoption and empower Gen-Z in health management.
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