Assessing the feasibility and acceptance of the Deaf in Touch Everywhere (DITE™) mobile app: Insights from healthcare simulations and stakeholder discussions (HEARD project)

Objectives This study investigates the feasibility of the Deaf in Touch Everywhere (DITE™) app, which was developed to provide virtual interpretation services through teleconferencing; and factors influencing adaptation and utilization by stakeholders in simulated healthcare consultations. Methods Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted involving three stakeholder groups: Malaysian sign language (BIM) users (BNUs), BIM interpreters (JBIMs) and healthcare providers (HCPs). They were involved in simulated medical consultations via video conferencing using the DITE™ app. Interview questionnaires were designed using the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Results were thematically analysed. Results Nineteen participants (six BNUs, six JBIMs, seven HCPs) participated in three FGDs. Findings were categorized according to the five UTAUT categories and were explored within each participant group: Performance expectancy – strengths and limitations of the DITE™ app; Effort expectancy – adaptation, challenges and navigation of the app; Social influence – concerns about data privacy/confidentiality, medicolegal acceptance and encouragement to use app from relevant stakeholders; Facilitating conditions – confidentiality, support availability, prior relationship with interpreters, previous consultation experiences and familiarity with telecommunication tools; Behavioural intention – app usage and promotion and comparing telemedicine and face-to-face consultations with the DITE™ app. Limiting conditions and areas for improvement were also discussed. Conclusion The DITE™ app holds the potential to tackle communication barriers between Deaf individuals and HCPs. However, ongoing research, improvements in functionality and strategic deployment are vital to maximize its effectiveness in enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes for the Deaf community in Malaysia.