Open AccessAcceptance and Use of Telepsychology From the Clients’ Perspective: Questionnaire Study to Document Perceived Advantages and Barriers
Author(s) -
Beatriz Sora,
Rubén Nieto,
Adrián Montesano,
Manuel Armayones
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jmir mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2368-7959
DOI - 10.2196/22199
Subject(s) - unified theory of acceptance and use of technology , psychology , mental health , psychological intervention , applied psychology , mediation , structural equation modeling , perception , telehealth , medicine , telemedicine , expectancy theory , health care , psychotherapist , social psychology , psychiatry , computer science , machine learning , neuroscience , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Background Telepsychology is increasingly being incorporated in clinical practice, being offered in many psychotherapy centers, especially after the impact of the pandemic. However, there seems to be a remarkable discrepancy between the offer, or interest in, and real-world uptake of e-mental health interventions among the population. A critical precondition is clients’ willingness to accept and use telepsychology, although this issue has thus far been overlooked in research. Objective The aim of this study was to examine people’s acceptance and use of telepsychology by adopting an extended model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) that integrates perceived telepsychology advantages and barriers, usefulness perceptions, behavioral intention, and telepsychology use. Methods An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 514 participants. Structural equation models were computed to test a mediation model. Results Results supported the UTAUT model to explain participants’ acceptance and use of telepsychology. They showed a causal chain in which perceived telepsychology advantages and barriers were related to telepsychology use through the perceived usefulness of and intention to use telepsychology. Conclusions Telepsychology use may be explained according to the UTAUT model when coupled with participants’ perceptions of telepsychology advantages and barriers. Mental health stakeholders could consider these factors in order to increase the acceptance and use of telepsychology.