Assessment of Factors for Blockchain Adoption Readiness in Tanzanian Public Healthcare Insurance Sectors: A Case Study of National Health Insurance Fund

Abstract

Blockchain technology offers various benefits, including efficient and verified record keeping, transparency and tracking, and cost optimization. This article assesses factors that impact adoption readiness of blockchain technology by 106 public health insurance sectors (PHISs) in Tanzania. The study examined integrated technology adoption frameworks, including Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), Technology Readiness Index (TRI), and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE). Using this integrated TOE-DOI-TRI framework, the study proposed nine hypotheses related to adoption readiness of blockchain technology. The study also proposes an integrated technology adoption framework that can be used for future studies. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the hypotheses. Results demonstrate that relative advantage, technology compatibility, data security, government support, competitive pressures, top management commitment, partnerships and collaboration with experts as well as employee engagement have a positive influence on the adoption readiness of blockchain technology by Tanzanian PHISs. However, technological complexity hinders PHIS's adoption of the technology. This study reveals a paucity of literature that have attempted to identify the factors of PHIS technology adoption in Tanzania. The results will enable PHIS stakeholders to understand important factors in adopting blockchain technology. Additionally, our results can assist developers of this promising technology to generate customized solutions.