Exploring barriers affecting e-health service continuance intention in India: from the innovation resistance theory stance

Abstract

Although existing studies on e-health have usually focused on e-health services adoption intention, there is a dearth of studies on the barriers that affect e-health services retention intention especially in India. Additionally, although studies have mostly focused on utilizing expectation-confirmation model to understand innovation related barriers, innovation resistance theory (IRT) has been overlooked. As Indian e-health service providers face stiff challenges due to customer’s unwillingness to continue using the service, there is a need to bridge the research gap that exists in this context. This mixed-method study, based on responses received from 289 participants and 1154 online negative reviews from e-Health providers in India, examines the barriers from the IRT stance. Results of this study reveal a notable negative association between tradition, value and financial barrier and intention to continue using e-health services. Additionally, continuance intention affects recommendation. The study concludes with various implications and scope for future research.