Determinants of Digital Health Pre-Acceptance in Respiratory Care: A Quantitative Irish Study
- 1TUS Midlands: Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest - Athlone Campus
Abstract
Introduction: Digital health technology (DHT) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare delivery; however, limited research exists exploring the pre-acceptability of DHT among ageing respiratory patients. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the pre-acceptability of digital health technology in individuals with chronic respiratory disease in Ireland. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted among respiratory service users attending two respiratory centres in the Midlands and West of Ireland. A convenience-based questionnaire was developed and distributed, which was informed by prior Phase 1 qualitative findings that adopted the Technology Acceptance Model and the Health Belief Model.Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney U test, to explore differences between gender and geographical location (urban/rural). Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. Overall, participants demonstrated positive perceptions toward the use of DHT, particularly regarding support for self-management, hospital admission avoidance, increased symptom awareness, and enhanced engagement with healthcare professionals. Perceived usefulness emerged as a significant factor influencing acceptability. Concerns regarding privacy, data security, and digital literacy were less significant than anticipated. Statistical differences were identified between urban and rural participants in relation to perceived usefulness, technology design preferences, feedback functionality, and preference for reduction in face-to-face appointments. No significant differences were identified between male and female participants. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that ageing respiratory patients in Ireland are receptive to the integration of digital health technology provided that technologies are perceived as useful, user-friendly, and supportive rather than replacements for healthcare professionals. The findings highlight the importance of involving service users during the design phase of DHT and recognising geographical differences in perspectives toward technology adoption. These findings may inform future policy, service development, and digital health implementation strategies nationally and internationally
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BibTeX
@misc{byrne2026determinants,
title = {{Determinants of Digital Health Pre-Acceptance in Respiratory Care: A Quantitative Irish Study}},
author = {T. Byrne and N. Murray and M. Mc Donnell Naughton and N. J. Rowan},
howpublished = {medRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.64898/2026.11.06.26367410},
url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.06.26367410v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Determinants of Digital Health Pre-Acceptance in Respiratory Care: A Quantitative Irish Study
AU - T. Byrne
AU - N. Murray
AU - M. Mc Donnell Naughton
AU - N. J. Rowan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
PB - medRxiv
DO - 10.64898/2026.11.06.26367410
UR - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.06.26367410v1
AB - Introduction: Digital health technology (DHT) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare delivery; however, limited research exists exploring the pre-acceptability of DHT among ageing respiratory patients. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the pre-acceptability of digital health technology in individuals with chronic respiratory disease in Ireland. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted among respiratory service users attending two respiratory centres in the Midlands and West of Ireland. A convenience-based questionnaire was developed and distributed, which was informed by prior Phase 1 qualitative findings that adopted the Technology Acceptance Model and the Health Belief Model.Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney U test, to explore differences between gender and geographical location (urban/rural). Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. Overall, participants demonstrated positive perceptions toward the use of DHT, particularly regarding support for self-management, hospital admission avoidance, increased symptom awareness, and enhanced engagement with healthcare professionals. Perceived usefulness emerged as a significant factor influencing acceptability. Concerns regarding privacy, data security, and digital literacy were less significant than anticipated. Statistical differences were identified between urban and rural participants in relation to perceived usefulness, technology design preferences, feedback functionality, and preference for reduction in face-to-face appointments. No significant differences were identified between male and female participants. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that ageing respiratory patients in Ireland are receptive to the integration of digital health technology provided that technologies are perceived as useful, user-friendly, and supportive rather than replacements for healthcare professionals. The findings highlight the importance of involving service users during the design phase of DHT and recognising geographical differences in perspectives toward technology adoption. These findings may inform future policy, service development, and digital health implementation strategies nationally and internationally
ER -