Psychometric analysis of a measure of acceptance of new technologies (UTAUT), applied to the use of haptic virtual simulators in dental students.

Background: The aims of this study are (a) to assess the psychometric quality of an instrument of acceptance of new technologies adapted from the UTAUT model, (b) to validate the UTAUT model as a valid measure to be applied in dental education, and (c) to determine which factors of the UTAUT model predict the behavioural intention of using a haptic virtual simulator (HVS).

Methods: A cross-sectional design study with a sample of 265 dentistry students was carried out.

Results: Using structural equation modelling, confirmatory factor analysis verified the adequacy of four-factor model, although the only factor that directly predicts behavioural intention is performance expectancy. Internal consistency coefficients of each factor ranged from 0.800 to 0.969.

Discussion: These findings, as well as the predictive power of performance expectancy on behaviour intention, are in line with previous evidence found in the literature.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the UTAUT scale has adequate reliability and construct factorial validity; therefore, UTAUT model could be a valuable approach to assess haptic virtual simulator acceptance in dental education.