Attitude toward the use of electronic medical record systems: Exploring moderating effects of self-image

The successful implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR) system depends on the acceptance of the system by the user who puts it into practice. Understanding medical professionals' attitudes toward the use of EMRs is important for a successful implementation of the system. This study examines the attitude of medical professionals toward the use of EMRs by drawing from the theory of innovation diffusion and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). First, we identify the characteristics of EMRs and examine their impact on perceived usefulness, which together with perceived ease of use in turn influences attitude toward using EMR. Second, we examine the moderating effects of self-image between the key constructs of the TAM. To examine our research model, survey data from physicians and nurses from Korean hospitals were collected and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques. Results of the study showed that compatibility, security and accuracy have a positive effect on perceived usefulness, but reliability had no significant effect on perceived usefulness. Moreover, self-image acted as a moderating variable between the relationships between perceived ease of use and attitude and between perceived usefulness and attitude toward the use of EMR. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.