Technology acceptance models in gerontechnology

Successful introduction of IT technology is usually described by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which consists of four latent variables with specified interrelations. Measurement takes place by means of subjective rating scales. Though many extensions of the basic model have been proposed, almost none of them can successfully predict actual usage in daily life of IT products. Based on a range of empirical studies, making use of triangulation measurement, it is shown that there are a multitude of phenomena in the design and operation of telemedicine applications that escape measurement according to the TAM methodology. An outline of the design trajectory of telemedicine applications is given, together with recommendations for design procedures that may considerable improve the chances of success for telemedicine.