A study on the acceptance by postpartum women of the RFID system applied during rooming-in care

Background: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology may be used in healthcare to help prevent treatment errors, detect adverse events, and improve patient safety. Purpose: This study is based on the technology acceptance model, with the addition of physical risk concept to explore the use of the RFID system in postpartum care as well as patient perceptions of system reliability, security, room-in care, and information technology use. Methods: This cross-sectional study distributed a self-developed questionnaire to postpartum women who had received the RFID system. The questionnaire assessed patient perceptions of rooming-care quality, technology acceptance, and physical risks. Data were collected in one medical center in Taiwan from November 2012 to January 2013 with 81 participants in total. Results: Participants reported a 75% mean satisfaction with rooming-in care. An average to high relationship was identified among quality of care, technology acceptance, and physical risks (r ranges from .55 to .90), In addition, behavioral intention and high system reliability were identified as predictors of care quality (R² = .50, p < .01). In terms of responses to the open-ended question, the participants suggested the use of smaller and more convenient RFID tags, expressed trust in the general safety of using RFIDs, and recommended allowing the alert device to be activated anytime via the parent’s cell phone or laptop. Conclusion: The use of RFID healthcare offers the potential to provide safer and more diverse patient care.