Extending information system models to the health care context: An empirical study and experience from developing countries

© 2017, Zarka Private University. All rights reserved. This study aims to evaluate Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and their impact on end-user performance and the health care services in two developing countries. A survey methodology was used to gather empirical data for model validation and hypothesis testing. A correlation and factor analysis were conducted to test the reliability and validity of the study instrument. The structural equation modelling technique was also used to evaluate the measurement and the structural models. The results confirmed the significance of the integrated model in explaining user performance and demonstrated that our model can better represent factors associated with user performance and health care services; our model was able to explain 74% of the variance in user performance and 52% of the variance in the health care services. The study indicated the need to consider the context of the HIS when using models like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the information systems success model. Some information systems factors have become more relevant, such as System Quality (SQ) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF). Others have different implications, including ease of use and usefulness, indicating the need to adapt these models based on the context of the system under study

Culture in the design of mHealth UI:An effort to increase acceptance among culturally specific groups

Purpose: Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural aspects of groups of users are among the key features of users’ design preferences, because each group’s preferences depend on various features that are culturally compatible. The process of integrating culture into the design of a system has always been an important ingredient for effective and interactive human computer interface. This study aims to investigate the design of a mobile health (mHealth) application user interface (UI) based on Arabic culture. It was argued that integrating certain cultural values of specific groups of users into the design of UI would increase their acceptance of the technology. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 135 users responded to an online survey about their acceptance of a culturally designed mHealth. Findings: The findings showed that culturally based language, colours, layout and images had a significant relationship with users’ behavioural intention to use the culturally based mHealth UI. Research limitations/implications: First, the sample and the data collected of this study were restricted to Arab users and Arab culture; therefore, the results cannot be generalized to other cultures and users. Second, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model was used in this study instead of the new version, which may expose new perceptions. Third, the cultural aspects of UI design in this study were limited to the images, colours, language and layout. Practical implications: It encourages UI designers to implement the relevant cultural aspects while developing mobile applications. Originality/value: Embedding Arab cultural aspects in designing UI for mobile applications to satisfy Arab users and enhance their acceptance toward using mobile applications, which will reflect positively on their lives.</p