EXAMINING THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND TECHNOLOGY PERCEPTIONS IN DIGITAL SYSTEM USAGE AT KARACHI HOSPITALS

Abstract

Digital transformation is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery worldwide, yet the successful adoption and utilization of hospital digital systems remain a significant challenge in developing countries. This study examines the role of management support and technology perceptions in influencing digital system usage among healthcare professionals in Karachi hospitals, using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The research specifically investigates the effects of Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Management Support for Technology (MST) on Behavioural Intention to Use (BI), and the subsequent impact on Actual System Usage (ASU), while testing the mediating role of BI.

A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 300 healthcare professionals across public and private hospitals in Karachi using a structured questionnaire. Reliability and validity of the constructs were confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability, Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity was verified using the Fornell–Larcker criterion and HTMT ratios. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to test the hypothesized relationships, with model fit assessed using Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR = 0.061). Findings indicate that PU, PEOU, and MST significantly influence BI, which in turn strongly predicts ASU. Mediation analysis confirmed that BI partially mediates the relationship between the independent variables and ASU, while direct effects of PU, PEOU, and MST on ASU were also significant. These results highlight the importance of both individual perceptions and organizational support in driving effective utilization of hospital digital systems. The study contributes to the literature by extending TAM in a developing-country healthcare context and provides actionable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers to enhance digital system adoption through user-friendly technology design, leadership engagement, and targeted training programs.