Engagement in E-learning opportunities: an empirical study on patient education using expectation confirmation theory

Abstract

Medical e-learning technology is widely employed to create an online platform for patients and healthcare providers alike. However, there are few studies that have investigated the reasons why some users reject e-learning technology usage after their initial experience. This study was conducted with the aim to better understand the factors leading to patients' continued usage of e-learning technologies. The theoretical foundation was based on the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT). The questionnaire survey was conducted during a two-month period and covered a total sample of 281 outpatients in a regional-teaching hospital. We found that the intention to continue e-learning usage was significantly related to patients' education level, expectation, perceived performance, confirmation and satisfaction. The use of this ECT model may provide administrators in the healthcare industry insights into the implementation of e-learning technologies. This research also opens up a new direction and enhances the completeness of related researches in the fields of medical informatics and health education.