Influencing factors and group differences in medical data sharing in clinical research scenarios

ABSTRACT Purpose Explore the factors affecting medical data sharing in clinical research scenarios from the user’s perspective, reveal the differences between different user groups, and deepen the understanding of medical data sharing mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach By integrating the UTAUT model, trust theory and self-efficacy theory, introducing the concepts of data transparency and individual innovation, and combining internal and external motivators, we constructed a conceptual model of medical data users’ sharing behavior in clinical research scenarios. We conducted empirical research by collecting 360 pieces of first-hand data from clinical researchers. Findings Among the internal motivators, effort expectation had a higher impact on sharing intention than performance expectation, individual innovation and self-efficacy had a higher impact on sharing behavior than trust. Trust does not show a significant impact on sharing intention, but it has a significant positive influence on sharing behavior. Among the external motivators, community influence and data transparency both positively affect sharing intention. In addition, users with different working years, professional status, data level needs, and different sharing experiences showed significant differences in healthcare data sharing. Research limitations Our sample of clinical researchers from China was used as empirical data. Further research is needed to examine the generality of the study findings. Practical implications The findings enhance healthcare data stakeholders’ understanding of healthcare data sharing in clinical research scenarios and provide theoretical and practical insights for relevant researchers. Originality/value In this study, the UTAUT model, trust theory and self-efficacy theory were integrated and applied to clinical research scenarios for the first time, and the concepts of data transparency and individual innovation were introduced, and the CRS-USB conceptual model was constructed and validated to extend the UTAUT model.