Ranking factors critical to the adoption of mHealth devices in clinical use among Indian healthcare providers using consistent triangular fuzzy preference relations (TFPR)

Abstract

mHealth or wearables can be beneficial in actively managing various health conditions, including chronic diseases, acute illnesses, and mental health disorders. Despite the importance, the adoption in clinical use has not materialized in India as envisaged. This study aims to determine and classify the factors preventing Indian healthcare providers from embracing mHealth devices. Thirty-six elements concerning mHealth devices were identified from an extensive literature review and then grouped into seven factors named. The healthcare providers' ranked the factors using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP).The seven factors ranked in the order of priority are: scientific evidence of device utility, healthcare delivery, device owning cost for patients, behavioral and social aspects, policy environment and operational support, technical characteristics, and patient empowerment & independent decision making. The study contributes to identifying and understanding the factors concerning adopting mHealth devices or wearables in clinical use in India. It is among the first studies to rank them using a rigorous mathematical approach. Additionally, it guides stakeholders in designing appropriate interventions to facilitate the adoption of mHealth devices in clinical practice.