A Multidimensional Framework for Telehealth Adoption in Libya: The Role of Trust in Technology
Keywords:
Telehealth adoption, Trust in technology, Libya, Healthcare infrastructure, Digital health systemsAbstract
Telehealth has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in resourceconstrained environments, offering improved access to medical care and enhanced healthcare system efficiency. However, its adoption in developing countries, particularly in fragile states like Libya, faces significant challenges. This study proposes a comprehensive, multidimensional framework for understanding telehealth adoption in Libya, emphasizing the mediating role of trust in technology. The framework integrates the Technology-OrganizationEnvironment (TOE) model, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) while highlighting how trust in digital health systems influences the relationship between technological, organizational, environmental, and individual factors and actual telehealth usage. Libya’s unique socio-political context, characterized by fragmented healthcare governance, limited ICT infrastructure, and cultural resistance to digital healthcare, necessitates a nuanced approach to telehealth implementation. The findings demonstrate that while technological readiness, leadership support, and regulatory frameworks are crucial for adoption, trust in technology, shaped by perceived system reliability, data security, and institutional reputation, emerges as a significant mediator. The study contributes to the literature by addressing the underexplored role of trust in telehealth adoption, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. It also offers practical insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators aiming to enhance telehealth implementation in Libya, suggesting strategies to build trust, improve digital literacy, and enhance institutional support. This research provides a framework that can be adapted to other developing countries navigating similar challenges in telehealth adoption.
References
Ahmed, M., Elhadi, M., & Abied, A. (2023). Telemedicine readiness in Libyan healthcare facilities: A preliminary investigation. International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications, 2023, Article ID 125097.
Aji, H. M., & Ramadani, R. (2024). Trust in digital healthcare: A multidimensional construct analysis. Health Informatics Journal, 30(1), 112–129.
Al-Samari, A., Osman, R., & Khalil, H. (2020). Challenges in the implementation of telemedicine in Middle Eastern developing countries. Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries, 14(2), 45–58.
Alviani, K., Arfi, W. B., & Mzoughi, N. (2023). Digital trust in healthcare systems: A systematic review. Technology in Society, 75, 102303.
Andrii, M. (2022). Telehealth trends and the future of remote care. Global Health Journal, 17(3), 215–227.
Anthony, B. (2023). Organizational leadership and health IT innovation in African healthcare systems. Journal of Global Health Reports, 7, e2023073.
Arfi, W. B. (2021). The impact of trust on the acceptance of e-health services in developing countries. Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 87(2), e12150.
Bibri, S. E. (2015). The shaping of ambient intelligence and the internet of things. Technology in Society, 43, 119–134.
Bokolo, A. J. (2023). Telemedicine adoption and integration: Organizational readiness and strategic planning. Health Informatics Journal, 29(1), 64–81.
CDC. (2023). What is telehealth? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov
Distel, B. (2021). Privacy, trust, and patient-centered telemedicine. Journal of Telehealth and Telecare, 27(4), 210–220.
Distel, B. (2021). Privacy, trust, and patient-centered telemedicine. Journal of Telehealth and Telecare, 27(4), 210–220.
Effiong, A. (2022). Scope and future of telehealth services: An integrative review. Global Health Science and Practice, 10(2), e2100345.
Elhadi, M., Msherghi, A., & Alsoufi, A. (2021). Health system challenges in Libya: A call for immediate reforms. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 16(1), 1862863.
Fitzgerald, P. (2023). The state of healthcare in Libya: Regional gaps and reform potential. Middle East Health Policy Review, 9(3), 14–27.
Gallardo, A., Parimbelli, E., & Petrini, F. (2024). Mediating role of trust in digital health adoption: Evidence from primary care settings. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 24(1), 53–67.
Garfan, S., Alamoodi, A. H., Zaidan, B. B., & Zaidan, A. A. (2022). Telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. PLoS ONE, 17(2), e0263101.
Gonzalo, J. D., Graaf, D., & Wang, S. (2017). Enhancing access to care through telehealth: Infrastructure challenges in developing countries. Journal of Public Health, 39(2), 280–286.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2021). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
HRSA. (2022). Telehealth programs. U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. https://www.hrsa.gov/telehealth
Kashada, A., Khalil, H., & Osman, R. (2023). Evaluating health system capacity for digital transformation in Libya. Health Policy and Technology, 12(1), 100675.
Kuen, P. K., Tsai, W. C., & Chang, L. Y. (2023). Building trust in virtual care: Insights from Taiwan’s national telehealth program. Telemedicine and e-Health, 29(4), 301–312.
Makhluf, M., & Abdulshahed, A. (2020). Infrastructure gaps in Libya’s ICT sector. North Africa ICT Review, 6(1), 27–39.
Ndwabe, T., Mhlanga, M., & Mashiane, M. (2023). Digital healthcare in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. African Journal of Health Informatics, 15(2), 53–66.
Osman, R., Al-Fadil, A., & Khalil, H. (2023). Hospital readiness and digital transformation in North African healthcare: A focus on Libya and Egypt. Journal of Global Health Reports, 7, e2023079.
Parimbelli, E., Bottalico, B., & Lanzola, G. (2018). Trusting telemedicine: The effect of system design on trust formation. Health Informatics Journal, 24(2), 122–132.
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington Books.
UNDP. (2022). Strengthening Libya’s healthcare infrastructure: An overview. United Nations Development Programme. https://www.undp.org
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478.
WHO. (2021). Global strategy on digital health 2020–2025. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int
WHO. (2023). Libya health sector overview. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal on Management Education and Emerging Technology(IJMEET)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
