Adoption for the implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare

This study enhances the critical factors for the implementation of smart card technology (SCT) by proposing a conceptual framework based on the healthcare unified theory of acceptance of user technology model (2008), the DeLone and McLean information systems success model and the diffusion of innovation theory (2003) recommending the strategies to be used. The framework was tested using regression analysis on the collected data from 406 self-administered questionnaires from Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, Kalafong Hospital and Pretoria West Hospital. The structural equation modelling and principal component analysis methods in Statistical Package for Social Sciences were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study show that seven factors – behavioural intention, system use, information quality, service quality, communication, compatibility and trialability – were significantly accepted to ensure the adoption of SCT in public healthcare. Transdisciplinary contribution: The healthcare sector has not fully addressed the technology use for healthcare professionals. However, the sector exploited much for the patients’ needs to improve quality of healthcare. Therefore, this study recommends that this framework will contribute towards the implementation smart card technology within the public healthcare. The study will contribute to the implementation of SCT and ensure the quality of service delivery in public healthcare.