Exploration of Health Technology Nonuse: The Case of Online Medical Records

Abstract

Online Medical Records (OMR) platforms remain a key enabler to health management. Yet, how beliefs toward OMR and its subsequent nonuse are related is not understood. Applying the status quo bias (SQB) theory and the privacy paradox paradigm the study examines OMR nonusers and contributes to the health technology use literature. Using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) iteration 5, Cycle 1 and 3 data, mediation analysis reveals that inertia expressed as preference for speaking directly with healthcare providers predicts perceived need for OMR and partially mediates the relationship between perceived privacy concerns and need; having a chronic disease partially moderates such relationships. Thus, not all nonusers are created equal. Attaining benefits that come with capabilities and functionalities of OMR necessitates meaningful use of OMR by individuals. Healthcare providers or policymakers should intervene to dispel inertia or patient concerns to expand OMR use to facilitate healthcare decision making