Wellbeing through digital healthcare among Malaysian adults: intention and adoption of AI-based eDoctor apps

Growing global populations necessitate improved, technologically driven healthcare systems, and AI-based eDoctor Apps represent a practical solution. While technology is seen as vital for efficient healthcare delivery, the factors influencing the intention and actual adoption of AI-based eDoctor Apps by Malaysian adults remain underexplored. To investigate the factors influencing Malaysian adults’ intention and adoption of AI-based eDoctor Apps, specifically considering app attributes and perceptions of mass technology adoption. A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among 1049 Malaysian adults. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The analysis revealed that the perception of cost and concerns over privacy significantly and negatively impacted the intention to use AI-based eDoctor Apps. Conversely, perceptions of the technology’s usefulness, accuracy, and convenience had a significant, positive influence on the intention to use. The study found that critical mass adoption and the intention to use had no significant effect on actual use of AI-based eDoctor Apps. To increase the intention to use AI-based eDoctor Apps, technology healthcare firms should focus on reducing the perceived cost and improving user perception of privacy. The study suggests that mass adoption of AI-based eDoctor Apps can lead to a more positive attitude toward healthcare technologies in general, but that factors beyond simple intention are at play in the final adoption stage.