JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Digital twin technology can build dynamic models based on patient data and support clinical decision-making, but its application in healthcare remains at an early stage. Existing studies focus more on technical performance, and little is known about the real needs and concerns of different stakeholders during clinical implementation. Based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0, this study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to the clinical implementation of digital twin technology and compare the perspectives of different stakeholders.

Objective:

This study aimed to answer the following research questions (RQs): RQ1: What facilitators and barriers to the implementation of digital twin technology can be identified using CFIR 2.0? RQ2: What similarities and differences do doctors, nurses, and patients have in their understanding of facilitators and barriers? What causes these different perspectives?

Methods:

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 33 participants, including 11 doctors, 10 nurses, and 12 patients. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data collection continued until data saturation was reached. After transcription, the interview data were imported into NVivo 12.0. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis was used alongside directed content analysis based on CFIR 2.0.

Results:

Results:

Doctors and nurses generally recognized the value of digital twins. They also focused on the reliability of the model and whether it could fit smoothly into existing workflows. Hospital support and leaders’ attitudes facilitated the use of the technology, but legal responsibility and data management affected healthcare professionals’ willingness to use it. Patients paid more attention to whether digital twins could identify health risks in advance and whether the results were easy to understand. Personal financial burden and unfamiliarity with new technology reduced their acceptance. Different groups focused on different issues, and these differences were related to their clinical roles and actual needs.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

Digital twins have considerable potential for clinical use, and their implementation is affected by both technical performance and the clinical environment. Doctors and nurses are more concerned with whether the technology can truly fit into their work, while patients care more about the use process and their own benefits. Future implementation should be adjusted according to the actual needs of different users so that digital twins can be better integrated into clinical work.