The Evidence and Future Potential of WeChat in Providing Support for Chinese Parents of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Herniorrhaphy.

INTRODUCTION: Based on the current medical environment in China, this study developed a WeChat-based health education program for parents of children undergoing day surgery herniorrhaphy and evaluated the users' satisfaction of its usage by adapting the technology acceptance model.

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive quantitative online design with a researcher-developed Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to survey 198 users in the university-affiliated hospital in China.

RESULTS: The users were generally satisfied with the program. The users living in urban areas obtained higher satisfaction (β coefficient = 1.763, p = .006). The users who were satisfied showed high intention to recommend WeChat to other parents.

DISCUSSION: In general, WeChat users found the educational program useful, and similar educational intervention can be expanded to other areas in China.