Threshold Dynamics Between Job Demands and Technology’s Perceived Usefulness for Strain Moderation

Healthcare professionals in France face significant challenges, including workforce shortages, rising administrative burdens, and high job demands, which contribute to professional strain and burnout. Health Information Technologies (HIT) have emerged as potential resources to mitigate these stressors by enhancing efficiency and care quality. However, the interplay between job demands and the perceived usefulness of HIT in reducing strain remains underexplored. This study applies the Job Demand-Resource (JD-R) model to healthcare professionals to investigate how job demands influence HIT's ability to function as a perceived useful resource for strain moderation. We hypothesize an inverted U-shaped relationship, where HIT usefulness increases with job demands up to a threshold, beyond which technostress diminishes its benefits. A quantitative survey will assess these dynamics among French healthcare professionals. Findings aim to inform policymakers and developers on designing HIT solutions that effectively support healthcare workers without exacerbating their strain.