Technology Acceptance and Compliance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Technology Acceptance and Compliance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients by Asif Kidwai MSM, Oakland City University, 2002 MSc, Arkansas State University, 1997 BSc, Arkansas State University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Information Technology Management Walden University May 2018 Abstract The focus of this study is the problem of declining trend in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patient compliance. Studies reported improved compliance in patients with chronic diseases due to technology-based interventions. However, researchers have not investigated the advantages of technology to improve the compliance of OSA patients in detail. The specific problem was the lack of engagement between patients and healthcare managers, resulting in low compliance within OSA patients. The purpose of thisThe focus of this study is the problem of declining trend in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patient compliance. Studies reported improved compliance in patients with chronic diseases due to technology-based interventions. However, researchers have not investigated the advantages of technology to improve the compliance of OSA patients in detail. The specific problem was the lack of engagement between patients and healthcare managers, resulting in low compliance within OSA patients. The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate how technology-based interventions can improve OSA patient engagement with the healthcare managers resulting in improved compliance with treatment procedures. In this study, the technology acceptance model was used as the instrument in evaluating the information collected through interviews with 20 healthcare managers about their attitudes toward usage, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. The transcribed interviews were open-coded using the RQDA library in R Studio. In general, results from this study indicated that the healthcare managers showed a positive attitude towards the use of technology for patient engagement and expressed that the technology is useful for patient engagement and is easier to use. However, they identified technology-related and patient-related challenges in implementing technology for patient engagement. Further, the respondents identified process-related and patient-related opportunities in using technology for patient engagement. Results from this study have practice and policy implications by enabling healthcare managers to devise better compliance plans for OSA patient management. The findings could have a social benefit by helping healthcare managers to implement technology-based interventions to better achieve a higher compliance resulting in better patient health at lower costs. Technology Acceptance and Compliance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients by Asif Kidwai MSM, Oakland City University, 2002 MSc, Arkansas State University, 1997 BSc, Arkansas State University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Information Technology Management Walden University March 2018 Dedication In dedication to my father, Mr. Manzoor Karim Kidwai, and mother, Mrs. Zakia Kidwai, for making me who I am today, and my wife, Hanniya, son, Raafay, and my daughters, Miriam and Raania, for supporting me all the way. Acknowledgments It is with my deepest gratitude and warmest affection that I dedicate this dissertation to Dr. Anthony Lolas, who has been a constant source of knowledge and inspiration to me throughout this journey.