Facilitators and Barriers of Using Smart Bedside Station Systems Among Hospitalized Patients: A Qualitative Study Based on UTAUT.

Abstract

The Smart Bedside Station (SBS) system, an interactive digital terminal designed to provide patients with access to health information and bedside services, is increasingly implemented in hospitals to enhance patient engagement and care quality. However, factors influencing system use remain underexplored. To explore facilitators and barriers to hospitalized patients' use of SBS systems, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews in September 2024. Thirteen inpatients with prior experience using the Smart Bedside Station systems were recruited via purposive sampling. We used the UTAUT model to structure the interview guide and a hybrid thematic analysis to identify facilitators and barriers to the use of the Smart Bedside Station systems. Thematic analysis identified 10 facilitators and 15 barriers to SBS system adoption. We interviewed 13 hospitalized patients (22-73 years; 9 men, 4 women). Eleven of the 13 first learned about the Smart Bedside Station from nurses (2 by self-exploration). Use was short-term for most, with 15.4% using > 30 days. Facilitators mapped to UTAUT included nurse instruction/encouragement, trustworthy educational videos, transparent access to expenses and reports, convenient call functions, and entertainment (supporting performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions); a simple interface reduced effort expectancy. Barriers included limited perceived added value versus personal phones, treatment-time constraints, information/feature overload, delayed or lagging updates, interface misperception, and fear of misoperation or unintended charges; older age and lower education further hindered use. Overall, adoption was driven by nursing guidance and the clinical utility of video education, while cognitive and workflow burdens and system frictions constrained sustained use. These findings highlight the importance of addressing barriers and enhancing system features to improve patient engagement and satisfaction, ultimately facilitating wider adoption of Smart Bedside Station systems in smart hospitals.