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AI-Powered Buy-Now-Pay-Later Smart Contracts in Healthcare

Author

Listed:
  • Ângela Filipa Oliveira Gonçalves

    (ULS Algarve, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal)

  • Shafik Faruc Norali

    (ULS Algarve, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal)

  • Clemens Bechter

    (UMIO, Maastricht University, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

As healthcare systems face mounting pressure to modernise payment infrastructure, fintech innovations have emerged as potential tools to improve affordability and efficiency. However, the adoption of these technologies in clinical settings remains limited. This study investigated the perceptions and resistance patterns of healthcare professionals toward Buy-Now-Pay-Later technology and blockchain in healthcare finance, using Innovation Resistance Theory as the guiding framework. Survey data collected from medical practitioners (N = 366) were analysed to identify knowledge gaps, perceived risks, and tradition-related barriers that influence adoption intent. The findings reveal that while interest in financial innovation exists, resistance is driven by institutional conservatism, regulatory uncertainty, and limited familiarity with decentralised finance systems. This research contributes to the literature by offering a theory-based explanation for why even high-potential financial tools face behavioural and structural resistance in healthcare environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Ângela Filipa Oliveira Gonçalves & Shafik Faruc Norali & Clemens Bechter, 2025. "AI-Powered Buy-Now-Pay-Later Smart Contracts in Healthcare," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jfinte:v:4:y:2025:i:2:p:24-:d:1676509
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    References listed on IDEAS

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