Investigating Virtual Reality technology acceptance by patients: preliminary results from a TAM-based model

In this work, a tool for evaluating technology acceptance is proposed, addressing the acceptance of the Virtual Reality (VR) technology used in rehabilitation programs for frail elderly. The proposed tool is able to identify the factors that determine the intention to use (determinants) of users (patients). The tool is derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which, based on psycho-sociological behavioral theories, is a statistical model, predictive of the users' intention to use the technology. Other TAM-based models were subsequently developed (e.g., UTAUT, UTAUT2). To investigate the acceptance of "user patient" towards the use of the VR technology, questionnaires were administered to patients with physical and cognitive impairments, based on the UTAUT2 model.