Qualitative research: Determinants and Long-Term Implications of Readiness and Trust of Kosovo Health Professionals on Digital technology

Aim
The quality and accessibility of health care services in Kosovo during the last two decades has increased but at a very relatively slow pace. Many argue that digital technology could enhance the speed of transformation of health care industry. This study sheds additional light on the relationship between the level of trust and readiness of health professionals in digital technology, and long-term implications. We hypothesized that in order for the healthcare industry to gain the benefits derived from eHealth, there should be a relatively sufficient trust and readiness of health professionals in digital technology.

Material and methods
Authors decided about purposive sampling and snowball technique for identifying the most relevant respondents. Semi-structured interviews with ten health professionals allowed exploration of the distinct characteristics of the phenomena being researched as well as the context.

Results
Based on the interviews with diverse health professionals, factors such as education, professional training, youth, technology investments, and awareness about the advantages and risks of digital technology are contributing factors to the prevailing levels of trust and readiness of health professionals in implementing eHealth. Currently, in Kosovo there is a relatively low level of trust and readiness of health professionals in digital technology, requiring for a long-term multifaceted and coherent intervention.

Conclusions
Trust and readiness of health professionals on digital technology are indispensable factors for effective enhancement of the quality and accessibility of health services in Kosovo in terms of eHealth. In long term, Kosovo is prone to benefit from eHealth through strategic investments in technology and human capital.