Exploring the digital shift: Factors influencing the sustainable adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Main Article Content
Keywords
e-health tools, digital mental health services, technology adoption, COVID-19, sustainability
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of electronic health (e-health) tools for digital mental health services (DMHS) in South African higher education institutions (SA HEIs). However, the long-term sustainability of these innovations remains uncertain. This study employs an integrated Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework to investigate determinants of the sustainable adoption of e-health tools. A cross-sectional survey of 348 staff at a selected SA HEI was analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Three critical factors emerged: (1) University capacity to deliver DMHS, emphasising the significance of top management support, financial resources, and information and communications technology expertise; (2) Perceived benefits and importance of e-health tools, highlighting user perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and behavioural intention; and (3) External support to enhance university capacity, including government policies, competitive pressures, and institutional partnerships. The study advances theory by synthesising TOE and TAM in a resource-constrained context, revealing how institutional readiness and user perceptions jointly influence the sustainable adoption of e-health tools for DMHS. Practical implications highlight the need for targeted investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building, and policy alignment to strengthen DMHS sustainability. The study results are consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), offering a roadmap for SA HEIs to leverage e-health tools for mental health resilience post-pandemic.
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Rhodrick Nyasha Musakuro, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Dr. Rhodrick Nyasha Musakuro is a Lecturer in International Human Resource Management (HRM) at the University of Sunderland (UK), a role he assumed in October 2023, following 7+ years of teaching at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa. Complementing his academic career, he possesses 3 years of HR Consulting experience from Joubert & Monty. Dr. Musakuro earned a PhD in HRM, with his thesis focusing on the sustainable adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services within the South African higher education context. He also holds Master’s, Bachelor’s, and National Diplomas in HRM from CPUT, all awarded cum laude (with distinction). As an early career researcher, Dr. Musakuro has contributed 8+ peer-reviewed articles to the field and several manuscripts under review. He has presented his research at 5+ international conferences and supervised 9 Master’s students to completion. He actively enhances the academic community by reviewing for the SA Journal of Human Resource Management and the South African Journal of Information Management. Beyond teaching and research, his expertise extends to curriculum design, accreditation processes, and community engagement initiatives. Dr. Musakuro is a professional member of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP). His research interests include Technology Adoption, Digital Mental Health Services, Sustainability, and Talent Management.
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