Where are eustress and distress from? An examination of smart healthcare system use

Purpose This study aims to delineate the antecedents of two divergent stress outcomes – distress and eustress – resulting from the use of smart healthcare systems (SHSs). Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study examines how perceived SHS-use hindrance demands and resources differentially impact distress and eustress, with espoused organizational cultural values positioned as a key antecedent to these perceived resources. The research model is empirically validated by analyzing survey data collected from 244 doctors at a large hospital in China. Findings We find that all perceived SHS-use resources are positively related to eustress, and the two perceived SHS-use demands are positively related to distress. Espoused organizational cultural values are found to be antecedents of perceived SHS-use resources. The perceived SHS-use resources are not significant to distress. Originality/value The findings suggest that increasing eustress is a very efficient way to achieve SHS-use satisfaction.