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Understanding doctors’ contribution behavior in e-health service communities: A qualitative research

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  • Peng, Jiamin
  • Fu, Chi
  • Xie, Lishan
  • Huan, Tzung-Cheng

Abstract

Doctors' contributions are crucial for the sustainable development of e-health service communities (e-HSCs). However, studies on the manifestation and formation of their behaviors in e-HSCs are limited. This study adopts a value co-creation and resource input perspective to explore how and why doctors contribute to e-HSCs, incorporating the group engagement model. Through in-depth, one-on-one online interviews with 23 doctors engaged in e-HSCs and grounded theory methodology, this study identified key manifestations of doctors' contribution behavior, which include knowledge contribution, adaptive communication and emotional care, holistic patient management, and community citizenship. Factors driving their contributions encompass the perceptions of gained resources, self-value within e-HSCs, identity considerations, and offline social connections. These findings illustrate doctors' dual motivations rooted in social identification and exchange within e-HSCs, accounting for the potential impacts of offline resources. This study provides practical insights to enhance doctors’ contribution behavior and ensure efficient e-HSC functioning, leading to societal well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng, Jiamin & Fu, Chi & Xie, Lishan & Huan, Tzung-Cheng, 2025. "Understanding doctors’ contribution behavior in e-health service communities: A qualitative research," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:81:y:2025:i:c:s0160791x25000466
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102856
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    References listed on IDEAS

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