The role of self-efficacy, flexibility, and gender in pharmacy students' health information technology readiness

Introduction: Pharmacy students' characteristics and attitudes towards health information technology (HIT) may influence their willingness to learn, adopt, and utilize technology in healthcare settings. Future pharmacists will play a key role in the successful implementation of HIT, yet their technology readiness is not well understood. The goal of this study was to understand pharmacy students' attitudes regarding HIT and identify personal characteristics and psychosocial factors that predict their readiness to use HIT in future clinical practice. Methods: Using an anonymous online survey, data were collected from 148 pharmacy students. Linear regression modeling was used to determine if gender, flexible thinking, and openness to using technology, and technology self-efficacy were associated with students' readiness to utilize HIT tools in future clinical practice. Results: Regression modeling successfully explained 15% of the variance in predicting students' readiness to utilize HIT tools: F(3, 144) = 8.31, p < 0.001 with an R2 of 0.148 (adj R-2 = 0.13). Greater information technology self-efficacy, more openness to change (in academic/work settings), and being male were associated with readiness to utilize HIT. Conclusions: With the increased adoption of HIT in pharmacy practice, innovative approaches to HIT education are needed. Curricula that help students overcome obstacles to embracing technology may now be warranted. With enhanced training and engagement involving more than just didactic lessons, pharmacy students may not only feel confident in their ability to embrace HIT in future practice but feel professional satisfaction, increasing the likelihood for improved patient care and health system sustainability.