Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 6, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 29, 2025
The Influence of Medical Culture and Key Factors on Mobile Application Usage Frequency and Perceived Effectiveness in Physical Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Medical culture significantly influences the adoption of technology in healthcare, including mobile health applications, which have the potential to enhance patient care in physical therapy settings. Understanding the role of medical culture and other factors such as app usability and workplace setting in shaping the adoption and perceived effectiveness of mobile applications is essential for promoting their integration into clinical practice.
Objective:
The study aimed to assess how medical culture influences healthcare professionals' adoption of mobile applications in clinical settings, particularly in physical therapy interventions, and to examine the relationship between the perceived effectiveness of mobile applications and cultural attitudes toward technology in healthcare teams.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and March 2024 at a tertiary care hospital specializing in rehabilitation and physical therapy. A total of 456 healthcare professionals, including physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, were surveyed. Medical culture was measured using a composite scale, while mobile app usage and perceived effectiveness were assessed through structured questionnaires.
Results:
Medical culture was strongly associated with mobile app adoption (r = 0.54, p = 0.014), and multiple linear regression analysis showed that medical culture significantly predicted app usage (β = 0.45, p = 0.002). App usability, in terms of ease of use (β = 0.37, p = 0.008) and patient engagement features (β = 0.28, p = 0.021), also contributed to the perceived effectiveness of mobile applications. Hospitals showed higher adoption and perceived effectiveness compared to private practices and rehabilitation centers. Years of experience (β = 0.32, p = 0.014) and app usage frequency (β = 0.45, p = 0.010) were additional significant predictors.
Conclusions:
his study highlights the critical role of medical culture in promoting the adoption and perceived effectiveness of mobile applications in physical therapy. Positive cultural attitudes toward technology, combined with user-friendly app designs, can enhance the integration of mobile health tools in clinical settings. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an innovative medical culture and supporting the development of usable, patient-centered applications to optimize patient care. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable
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