Performance expectancy drives health professionals’ acceptance of digital tools for antimicrobial prescribing

Abstract

Background: The digitisation of hospitals has presented new opportunities to curb antimicrobial misuse. However, access to digital tools does not guarantee use. Performance expectancy, from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), a common technology acceptance model, is the strongest predictor of users’ intention to use technology. 

Aim: Synthesise and understand health professionals’ expectations related to performance of digital tools for antimicrobial prescribing.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify qualitative studies that explored user perceptions of digital tools for antimicrobial prescribing. User perceptions were extracted from each paper and classified using the UTAUT model and as either facilitators or barriers to use.

Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve of these reported user perceptions related to performance expectancy, highlighting users were more likely to use digital tools if they believed systems helped them achieve gains in job performance. The majority of perceptions related to the perceived usefulness of digital tools or whether tools were seen as better than their precursors. Reported facilitators to use included digital tools being trusted/credible sources of information, improving the performance of tasks, or increasing efficiency. A key reported barrier was tools providing information/recommendations not useful for a setting (e.g., emergency department), or patient condition(s). 

Conclusions: To ensure use of antimicrobial digital tools in hospitals, organisations need to consider health professionals’ performance expectations. Conveying benefits resulting from the use of digital tools to users, and ensuring utility matches expectations, could increase use of digital tools for antimicrobial prescribing.