Blockchain technology adoption in healthcare: an integrated model

Abstract

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in several sectors owing to its distributed ledger, decentralized nature, and cryptographic security. Despite its potential to reform the healthcare industry by providing a unified and secure system for health records, blockchain adoption remains limited. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the intention to adopt blockchain in healthcare by focusing on healthcare providers. A theoretical model is proposed by integrating the Technological-Organizational-Environmental framework, Fit-Viability Model, and institutional theory. A quantitative approach was adopted and data were collected through an online survey of 199 hospitals to evaluate the model. The collected data were analysed using PLS-SEM. The results indicated that technology trust, information transparency, disintermediation, cost-effectiveness, top management support, organizational readiness, partner readiness, technology vendor support, fit, and viability significantly and positively influenced the intention to adopt blockchain-based Health Information Systems in hospitals. Conversely, coercive pressure from the government negatively affects adoption decisions. Moreover, the study found that the hospital ownership type did not moderate the relationship between the identified factors and blockchain adoption. This study provides valuable insights into the various factors that influence blockchain adoption in hospitals. The developed model offers guidelines for hospitals, blockchain providers, governments, and policymakers to devise strategies that promote implementation and encourage widespread adoption of blockchain in healthcare organizations.