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Alam A, Kaur H, Bhatnagar S. Awareness among Pediatricians Regarding National Telemedicine Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey. Indian J Community Med 2024; 49:539-543. [PMID: 38933790 PMCID: PMC11198522 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_644_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The success of telemedicine depends on awareness among doctors on how to implement it. We aimed to assess knowledge about national telemedicine guidelines in pediatricians during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional study of pediatricians across India was conducted through a structured online questionnaire containing 16 marks. The mean knowledge score (KS) was calculated. Participants were divided into two groups: poor KS (KS <8) and good KS (KS ≥8). The association between factors and KS was assessed using univariate analysis. A total of 503 pediatricians participated (private sector: 80.7% and public sector: 19.3%). Most (61%) belonged to the age group of 31-50 years and were males (75%). The minimum educational qualification was a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 57% of cases. Despite work experience of more than 5 years in most (70%) of the cases, very few had provided teleconsultation before the pandemic (13.9%). The mean KS was 10.60 ± 2.8, that is, 66.25%. The minimum KS was 1 (6.25%), and the maximum was 16 (100%). Assam, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu showed higher knowledge than other states, although no significant difference was found. The majority (89.1%) had good KS, which is significantly higher among private practitioners as compared to public practitioners. There was no association between KS and age, gender, qualification, and work experience. Pediatricians have good information regarding telemedicine guidelines in India; however, training programs will further empower doctors working in the public sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areesha Alam
- Department of Pediatrics, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Pediatrics, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shrish Bhatnagar
- Department of Pediatrics, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Adem JB, Zeleke T, Walle AD, Atinafu WT, Tilahun KN, Melaku MS, Kebede SD. Awareness and readiness of mental healthcare providers to implement telemental health services and associated factors at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069671. [PMID: 37524552 PMCID: PMC10391830 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the awareness and readiness of mental healthcare providers to implement telemental health services and the associated factors at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted among mental health professionals working at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa City from 4 May to 10 June 2022. PARTICIPANTS A total of 413 (55.7% male and 44.3% female) health professionals participated in the study. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. All mental healthcare providers working at public referral hospitals in Addis Ababa City were considered as the source population. Mental healthcare providers who meet the inclusion criteria were considered the study population. Having a minimum diploma qualification and 6 months or more of work experience and giving written consent were considered the inclusion criteria. OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was awareness and readiness to implement telemental health services. RESULT A total of 413 participants were enrolled, with a response rate of 90.6%. The prevalence of good awareness towards telemental health services was 41% (95% CI 37%, 47%). Being female (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.34; 95% CI 0.15, 0.76), having poor information technology support (AOR=0.32; 95% CI 0.11, 0.99) and having electronic health technology experience (AOR=1.21; 95% CI 1.1, 2.44) were significantly associated with awareness of telemental health services, whereas computer access at the workplace (AOR=0.04; 95% CI 0.003, 0.55) and awareness (AOR=4.34; 95% CI 1.02, 18.48) and attitude (AOR=1.01; 95% CI 1.03, 2.19) towards telemental health services were the variables that showed statistically significant association with readiness of mental healthcare providers for telemental health services. CONCLUSION Although majority of healthcare providers in this survey were prepared to implement telemental health services, there was typically little awareness among mental healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tirualem Zeleke
- Department of Health Informatics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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El-Mazahy H, Mekky J, Elshaer N. Medical professionals' job satisfaction and telemedicine readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic: solutions to improve medical practice in Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2023; 98:5. [PMID: 36878998 PMCID: PMC9988361 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-023-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted medical professionals' job satisfaction and was a call to adopt telemedicine. Finding out how far medical professionals are satisfied and ready to use telemedicine would be important to improve medical practice. METHODS Data was collected from 959 medical professionals from both the governmental and private health sectors in Egypt in 2021 using a specifically designed online questionnaire, to evaluate job satisfaction, perception of telemedicine, and propose solutions to improve medical practice. RESULTS The study revealed low to moderate job satisfaction at governmental (27.2%) and private (58.7%) sectors. Underpayment was the most reported challenge at both sectors (37.8% and 28.3%, respectively). Dissatisfaction with government salary was independently predicted by working at the Ministry of Health and Population (OR = 5.54, 95%CI = 2.39,12.8; p < 0.001). Wage increase (46.10%), medical training of professionals (18.1%), and management of non-human resources (14.4%) were the most proposed solutions to improve medical practice in Egypt. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 90.7% of medical professionals had practiced telemedicine with moderate level of perception of its benefits (56%). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical professionals reported low to moderate job satisfaction and a moderate level of perception of telemedicine. It is recommended to analyze the healthcare financing system and provide continuous training of medical professionals to improve medical practice in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaidaa Mekky
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha Elshaer
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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von Büren J, Hansen I, Kött J, Schröder F, Veneroso J, Schneider SW, Abeck F. Patient-reported treatment outcomes and safety of direct-to-consumer teledermatology for finasteride treatment in male androgenetic alopecia: A cross-sectional study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231205740. [PMID: 37808234 PMCID: PMC10552455 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231205740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) teledermatology platforms has increased, particularly for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of these platforms. This study aimed to investigate the patient-reported treatment outcomes and safety of DTC teledermatology for the finasteride treatment of male AGA. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from a German DTC platform for finasteride treatment between December 2021 and January 2023. Patient-reported outcomes were collected through voluntary follow-up questionnaires provided to the patients six weeks after the first prescription to assess treatment outcomes and safety. Results Data collection included 2269 patients. Of all patients who answered the follow-up questionnaire (n = 191), 79% (150 out of 191) self-reported positive changes in hair appearance, and 59% (113 out of 191) reported an improvement in self-esteem under treatment. Patients with self-reported positive changes in hair appearance were more likely to report improved self-esteem (P < 0.0001). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 12% (22 out of 191) of the patients. Full treatment adherence was reported in 87% (167 out of 191) of patients. Conclusion From the patient's perspective, DTC teledermatology has the potential to improve hair appearance and self-esteem. Our results suggest that it may be an effective and safe treatment option for men with AGA, justifying low-threshold access. However, treatment-related adverse events should be closely monitored during follow-up. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term effects of the DTC teledermatology treatment. By collecting real-world data, teledermatology platforms could be useful beyond their primary focus and could play an important role in the context of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Hansen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Kött
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefan W. Schneider
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Finn Abeck
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Fouad AA, Osman MA, Abdelmonaem YMM, Karim NAHA. Awareness, knowledge, attitude, and skills of telemedicine among mental healthcare providers. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY, AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY 2023; 30:5. [PMCID: PMC9832399 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00272-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Telemedicine plays a vital role in patient-centered healthcare delivery in the diagnosis, management, and development of future treatment plans for chronic diseases. Results This study revealed that attitude toward telemedicine was high among the studied mental healthcare providers, while it was average among the other studied variables (awareness, knowledge, and skills). Psychiatrists had a high percentage in the studied variables (awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills). There were statistically significant differences in the dimensions of the telemedicine questionnaire according to age, profession, and academic degree. There was a statistically significant relation between the levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward telemedicine. Conclusions This study concluded that the studied mental healthcare providers had high attitudes while the other studied variables (awareness, knowledge, and skills) were average. Psychiatrists had a high percentage in the studied variables (awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills), followed by psychologists, while nurses had the lowest level in all studied variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Ahmed Fouad
- grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mahmood Ahmed Osman
- grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Bachelor of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Nashwa Ahmed Hussein Abdel Karim
- grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Murshidi R, Hammouri M, Taha H, Kitaneh R, Alshneikat M, Al-Qawasmeh A, Al-Oleimat A, Al-Huneidy L, Al-Huneidy Y, Al-Ani A. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Jordanians Toward Adopting and Using Telemedicine: National Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e41499. [DOI: 10.2196/41499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Due to the upsurge of COVID-19, nations are increasingly adopting telemedicine programs in anticipation of similar crises. Similar to all nations worldwide, Jordan is implementing efforts to adopt such technologies, yet it is far from complete.
Objective
This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Jordanians toward telemedicine, to identify key factors predisposing individuals to its use or acting as barriers to its implementation.
Methods
We implemented a cross-sectional design using an online, self-administered questionnaire executed in Google Forms and distributed through social media. Differences in knowledge and attitude scores were examined using independent sample t tests and ANOVA. A multivariate linear regression model was computed to assess predictors of awareness toward telemedicine.
Results
A total of 1201 participants fully completed the questionnaire. Participants were characterized by a mean age of 36.3 (SD 14.4) years and a male-to-female ratio of nearly 1:1. About 50% (619/1201, 51.5%) of our studied population were aware of telemedicine, while nearly 25% (299/1201, 24.9%) declared they had observed it in action. Approximatively 68% (814/1201, 67.8%) of respondents were willing to use telemedicine. The majority of the sample portrayed favorable and positive views toward telemedicine. Higher educational degrees, living in urban districts, and having a higher perception of electronic usage ability were associated with higher knowledge and better attitudes toward telemedicine (all P<.05). The multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that perceived ability to use electronics was associated with positive attitudes (β=0.394; 95% CI 0.224 to 0.563), while living in Southern Jordan predicted poor attitudes toward telemedicine (β=–2.896; 95% CI –4.873 to –0.919).
Conclusions
Jordanians portray favorable perceptions of telemedicine. Nonetheless, concerns with regards to privacy, medical errors, and capacity for accurate diagnoses are prevalent. Furthermore, Jordanians believe that integrating telemedicine within the health care system is not applicable due to limited resources.
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Alajwari HA, Alfayez A, Alsalman D, Alanezi F, Alhodaib H, Al-Rayes S, Aljaffary A, AlThani B, AlNujaidi H, Al-Saif AK, Attar R, Aljabri D, Al-Mubarak S, Al-Juwair MM, Alrawiai S, Alakrawi Z, Alanzi TM. Knowledge and attitude of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Health 2021; 14:604-609. [PMID: 34893850 PMCID: PMC8689698 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was designed to carry out this study. The electronic survey, prepared using Google Forms, was distributed to 1500 randomly selected citizens of Saudi Arabia. A total of 330 participants completed and returned the questionnaire. Basic statistics were used to describe the data. Results The majority of the respondents (73.9%) were female. More than half of them (54.8%) were >35 y of age and had graduate or postgraduate degrees (65.5%). A total of 96.7% of the respondents were Saudis. Most of the participants (70.0%) were familiar with the term ‘telemedicine’ and thought that telemedicine (92.1%) could reduce transportation costs. Of the respondents, 58.8% had not seen a telemedicine system before and 67.0% indicated that they had not previously used telemedicine services. A total of 87.3% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine was a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, more than half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine facilitates the diagnosis of people (58.8%), increases communication (58.2%), reduces clinic visits (85.9%) and performs tasks quickly (70.3%). Also, 51.5% of the respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that telemedicine affects patient privacy. Conclusions The outcomes indicated that most of the participants had a positive attitude towards the use of telemedicine as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. They believed that telemedicine saves time, labour and costs and is an effective tool to treat coronavirus patients at a safe distance. However, the government should develop programs to raise awareness in the population about the use of telemedicine for the treatment of various diseases that afflict the Saudi Arabian people. Likewise, a legal framework must be implemented to protect the privacy of patients and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel Abdullah Alajwari
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Alfayez
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Demah Alsalman
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alanezi
- College of Business Administration, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala Alhodaib
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University
| | - Saja Al-Rayes
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Aljaffary
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashair AlThani
- College of Business Administration, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba AlNujaidi
- College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer K Al-Saif
- College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razaz Attar
- Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Duaa Aljabri
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sama'a Al-Mubarak
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona M Al-Juwair
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sumaiah Alrawiai
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahraa Alakrawi
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki M Alanzi
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Ibrahim AE, Magdy M, Khalaf EM, Mostafa A, Arafa A. Teledermatology in the time of COVID-19. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e15000. [PMID: 34714575 PMCID: PMC8646275 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The enormous spread of the novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19) represents a challenge to dermatological practice. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible role of teledermatology in facing this challenge. In this article, we aimed to give a general overview of teledermatology in terms of models of practice, modes of delivery, advantages, limitations, ethical considerations and legislative challenges as well as discussing, using examples from literature, how dermatological practice can benefit from teledermatology during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Teledermatology could be an accessible, accurate and cost-effective substitute for conventional face-to-face dermatological consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, teledermatology practice needs updated legislation and guidelines. More efforts should be done to encourage dermatologists, especially in underserved communities, to provide teledermatology services. Ethical issues and data security related to teledermatology have to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elsayed Ibrahim
- Department of NeuropsychiatryFaculty of MedicineAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Mayar Magdy
- Barnet HospitalThe Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Eslam M. Khalaf
- Department of Critical MedicineFaculty of MedicineAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Alshimaa Mostafa
- Department of DermatologyGraduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of DermatologyFaculty of MedicineBeni‐Suef UniversityBeni‐SuefEgypt
| | - Ahmed Arafa
- Department of Public HealthGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Public HealthFaculty of MedicineBeni‐Suef UniversityBeni‐SuefEgypt
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Knowledge, Applicability, and Barriers of Telemedicine in Egypt: A National Survey. Int J Telemed Appl 2021; 2021:5565652. [PMID: 34211550 PMCID: PMC8192215 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5565652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study is aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitude, and barriers to telemedicine among the general population in Egypt. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional design was carried out among the general Egyptian population. A convenience sampling method was used to approach the eligible participants from University Teaching Hospitals of eight governorates from May to July 2020. Results A total of 686 participants filled the questionnaire (49.4% were males, mean age 36.7 ± 11.2 years old). Half of the participants stated that they previously used a telemedicine tool, mainly to follow up laboratory results (67.3%). Video or phone calls (39.3%) and mobile applications (23.7%) were the most commonly recognized telemedicine tools by the participants. The included participants exhibited a high level of knowledge and attitude towards telemedicine. On the other hand, 21.9% stated that telemedicine services could jeopardize patient privacy. 32.8% reported that telemedicine service could lead to disclosing medical information to people who are not authorized to do so. Almost half of the participants agreed to strongly agreed that telemedicine service could increase medical errors. 60.80% of the participants said that they are more likely to prefer telemedicine than traditional ways. However, 13.70% stated that telemedicine is more likely to be challenging to use. Conclusion The Egyptian population has high knowledge about the applications of telemedicine. In addition, the vast majority of Egyptians appear to perceive the benefits of telemedicine positively and are willing to use it. However, some barriers that have been found must be taken into consideration to adopt telemedicine successfully, especially for people who are old, are low educated, and live in remote areas. Future studies should address the utility of telemedicine in improving the quality of healthcare and patient's health outcome and quality of life.
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Shiferaw KB, Mengiste SA, Gullslett MK, Zeleke AA, Tilahun B, Tebeje T, Wondimu R, Desalegn S, Mehari EA. Healthcare providers' acceptance of telemedicine and preference of modalities during COVID-19 pandemics in a low-resource setting: An extended UTAUT model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250220. [PMID: 33886625 PMCID: PMC8061916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In almost all lower and lower middle-income countries, the healthcare system is structured in the customary model of in-person or face to face model of care. With the current global COVID-19 pandemics, the usual health care service has been significantly altered in many aspects. Given the fragile health system and high number of immunocompromised populations in lower and lower-middle income countries, the economic impacts of COVID-19 are anticipated to be worse. In such scenarios, technological solutions like, Telemedicine which is defined as the delivery of healthcare service remotely using telecommunication technologies for exchange of medical information, diagnosis, consultation and treatment is critical. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare providers’ acceptance and preferred modality of telemedicine and factors thereof among health professionals working in Ethiopia. Methods A multi-centric online survey was conducted via social media platforms such as telegram channels, Facebook groups/pages and email during Jul 1- Sep 21, 2020. The questionnaire was adopted from previously validated model in low income setting. Internal consistency of items was assessed using Cronbach alpha (α), composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) to evaluate both discriminant and convergent validity of constructs. The extent of relationship among variables were evaluated by Structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS Amos version 23. Results From the expected 423 responses, 319 (75.4%) participants responded to the survey questionnaire during the data collection period. The majority of participants were male (78.1%), age <30 (76.8%) and had less than five years of work experience (78.1%). The structural model result confirmed the hypothesis “self-efficacy has a significant positive effect on effort expectancy” with a standardized coefficient estimate (β) of 0.76 and p-value <0.001. The result also indicated that self-efficacy, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence have a significant direct effect on user’s attitude toward using telemedicine. User’s behavioral intention to use telemedicine was also influenced by effort expectancy and attitude. The model also ruled out that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence does not directly influence user’s intention to use telemedicine. The squared multiple correlations (r2) value indicated that 57.1% of the variance in attitude toward using telemedicine and 63.6% of the variance in behavioral intention to use telemedicine is explained by the current structural model. Conclusion This study found that effort expectancy and attitude were significantly predictors of healthcare professionals’ acceptance of telemedicine. Attitude toward using telemedicine systems was also highly influenced by performance expectancy, self-efficacy and facilitating conditions. effort expectancy and attitude were also significant mediators in predicting users’ acceptance of telemedicine. In addition, mHealth approach was the most preferred modality of telemedicine and this opens an opportunity to integrate telemedicine systems in the health system during and post pandemic health services in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirubel Biruk Shiferaw
- Health Informatics Department, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Shegaw Anagaw Mengiste
- School of Business, Institute of Business, History & Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
| | - Monika Knudsen Gullslett
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Science Center Health & Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Atinkut Alamirrew Zeleke
- Medical Informatics, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tsion Tebeje
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Robel Wondimu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Borre General Hospital, Borre, Ethiopia
| | - Surafel Desalegn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eden Abetu Mehari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ahmed MH, Awol SM, Kanfe SG, Hailegebreal S, Debele GR, Dube GN, Guadie HA, Ngusie HS, Klein J. Willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19 among health professionals in a low income country. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 27:100783. [PMID: 34778509 PMCID: PMC8571100 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has prompted rapid restructuring of the health-care system in an effort to stop the spread of the pandemic. Thus, telemedicine is more preferable in order to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic when face to face meeting is forbidden, allowing provision of health service over a distance. This study aimed to assess willingness to use telemedicine and factors that will determine their extent of willingness during COIVID-19 among healthcare providers working in south west of Ethiopia. METHODS Institutional based cross-sectional study design was applied to assess willingness to use telemedicine among healthcare providers working at public health hospitals in south west of Ethiopia. Self-administered questionnaires were used. We have used Epi-info for data entry and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) for analysis. A structural equation modeling was performed to identify factors associated with willingness to use telemedicine at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULT In this study, less than half of respondents had high willingness to use telemedicine. Ease of use (β = 0.79, 95% CI: [0.72, 0.86], p < 0.01), attitude (β = 0.91, 95% CI: [0.87, 0.95], p < 0.01) and patient-physician relationships (β = 0.67, 95% CI: [0.54, 0.70], p < 0.01) were variables associated with willingness to use telemedicine. Anxiety towards technology (β = 0.74, 95% CI: [0.69, 0.79], p < 0.01) and patient-physician relationships (β = 0.87, 95% CI: [0.81, 0.92], p < 0.01) were determinant factors of attitude to use telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS The overall willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19 in this setting is 46.5%. Addressing the problem related with ease of use, attitude and patient-physician relationships will help to increase the overall willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19. An attempt to improving patient-physician relationship, provision of technical training for ease of use and working on healthcare providers' attitude will help to improve the willingness to use telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia,Corresponding author. Mettu University, College of health sciences, Department of health informatics, Ethiopia
| | - Shekur Mohammed Awol
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Shuma Gosha Kanfe
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Hailegebreal
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | - Gebiso Roba Debele
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Geleta Nenko Dube
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Alganeh Guadie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Bahir dar University, Bahir dar, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Setegn Ngusie
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Jorn Klein
- University of South-Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
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