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Hussain KHH, Al Shmanee MZ, Taha FH, Samara KA, Barqawi HJ, Dash NR. Perception, Usability, and Satisfaction with Telemedicine in the United Arab Emirates. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 39072672 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine has become a global tool for enhancing health care accessibility. However, its widespread adoption is still limited by technological illiteracy, lack of appropriate devices, slow internet services, and privacy concerns. In the Middle East and North Africa, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a dearth of telemedicine research. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and satisfaction levels of the UAE population regarding telemedicine. Methods: Between June and September 2023, a cross-sectional study was undertaken, using an online questionnaire distributed among UAE citizens and residents aged 18 years and above. The survey aimed to gauge the perceptions, usability, and satisfaction levels of telemedicine users, alongside identifying barriers hindering its acceptance. Data analysis was performed using Python 3, using Matplotlib v3.3.4 and Pandas v1.2. Results: The data analysis encompassed 1,013 participants, among whom 66.9% (678/1,013) were familiar with telemedicine. From this group, 29.8% (202/678) had previously utilized it. Of these users, 92.3% (186/202) found it to be useful or highly useful, whereas 83.1% (168/202) expressed overall satisfaction with their telemedicine experience. Among those who had not used telemedicine (47%, 476/1,013), the predominant concerns were a preference for in-person health care consultations for better care (77%, 367/476) and uncertainty about the quality of care offered through telemedicine (62%, 296/476). Conclusions: Despite high awareness of telemedicine in the UAE, its actual usage remains limited, highlighting the necessity for increased promotional efforts. Nevertheless, positive feedback suggests considerable potential for broad adoption. Future studies should address participants' concerns to enhance telemedicine utilization in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marwah Zakariya Al Shmanee
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, Unites Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Husni Taha
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- American Hospital Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kamel Aladdein Samara
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hiba Jawdat Barqawi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nihar Ranjan Dash
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Kyytsönen M, Vehko T, Jylhä V, Kinnunen UM. Privacy concerns among the users of a national patient portal: A cross-sectional population survey study. Int J Med Inform 2024; 183:105336. [PMID: 38183787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Seeking and receiving care requires disclosure of personal information which is recorded as health data in electronic health records. Thereafter, restricting the flow of information is dependent on data protection, information security, ethical conduct, and law. Privacy concerns may arise as patients' options concerning privacy have been balanced to cater both the privacy of patients and the needs of healthcare, as well as secondary use of data. METHODS This study examined privacy concerns among the users of a national patient portal in a representative sample of Finnish adults aged 20 to 99 years old (n = 3,731). We used logistic regression analysis with population weights to seek answers to which factors are associated with privacy concerns. The cross-sectional survey data was collected in 2020. RESULTS Every third patient portal user had privacy concerns. Those who were 50 to 59 years old (p = 0.030) had privacy concerns more often than 20 to 49-year-olds. Those who had financial difficulties (p = 0.003) also had privacy concerns more often while those, who had good digital skills (p=<0.026), did not need guidance on telehealth service use (p=<0.001) and found telehealth service use to be beneficial (p = 0.008), had privacy concerns less often. CONCLUSION The usefulness of telehealth seems to play an important role in privacy concerns. Another important factor is the skills required to use telehealth services. We encourage providing guidance to those who lack the necessary skills for telehealth service use. We also encourage putting effort not only into data protection and information security measures of telehealth services, but also into providing transparent and comprehensible privacy information for the service users as privacy concerns are common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiju Kyytsönen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland; University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tuulikki Vehko
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Virpi Jylhä
- University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Research Centre for Nursing Science and Social and Health Management, Kuopio University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, P.O.Box 1711, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ulla-Mari Kinnunen
- University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Research Centre for Nursing Science and Social and Health Management, Kuopio University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, P.O.Box 1711, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Kabir H, Hasan MK, Akter N, Marma USC, Alam T, Tutul AH, Biswas L, Ara R, Mitra DK. Factors associated with the intention of telehealth service utilization among Bangladeshi people: a cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2024; 11:996. [PMID: 38495779 PMCID: PMC10940848 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.124410.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Telehealth is comprised of telecommunications and electronic information systems to support and maintain long-distance healthcare services. Although it has not been thoroughly explored, the intention of using the service among the general public is critical to its success. We investigated the factors associated with the intention to utilize telehealth services among the general population of Bangladesh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 22, 2021 and June 15, 2021 in Bangladesh, where the total number of participants was 1038. The Pearson chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to examine the unadjusted relationship between the explanatory variables and the intention to use telehealth services. A multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to determine the adjusted association. Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to check the normality of continuous data. Data were processed and analyzed by software STATA-16. Results The probability of utilizing the service increased significantly with increasing knowledge, perceived benefit, and predisposition levels among respondents. However, when perceived concern increased, the likelihood of utilizing the service dropped significantly. Age, marital status, educational status, profession, residence, and perceived health status were significantly associated with the participants' intention to utilize the telehealth service. Conclusions The influencing aspects of telehealth service utilization should be recognized by the respective authorities. Possible activities to enhance usability among people are also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humayun Kabir
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tejgoan College, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Nahida Akter
- Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, PA 16802, USA
| | - U Swai Ching Marma
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
- International Organization for Migration, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Tohidul Alam
- International Organization for Migration, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | | | - Lila Biswas
- CRP Nursing College, Savar, 1343, Bangladesh
| | - Rawshan Ara
- Prime College of Nursing, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Dipak Kumar Mitra
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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Le R, Mendez I, Ponce SA, Green A, El-Toukhy S, Nápoles AM, Strassle PD. Telehealth access, willingness, and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic among a nationally representative diverse sample of U.S. adults with and without chronic health conditions. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231199522. [PMID: 37709268 PMCID: PMC10937324 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231199522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services represented a critical tool in maintaining continuity and access to care for adults in the USA. However, despite improvements in access and utilization during the pandemic, disparities in telehealth utilization have persisted. It is unclear what role access and willingness to use telehealth play in telehealth disparities. METHODS We used data from the nationally representative COVID-19's Unequal Racial Burden (CURB) survey, an online survey conducted between December 2020 and February 2021, n = 5500. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence of perceived telehealth access and willingness to use telehealth services among adults with and without chronic conditions. RESULTS Overall, 60.1% of adults with and 38.7% of adults without chronic conditions reported having access to telehealth. After adjustment, adults with chronic conditions were more likely to report telehealth access (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.50). Most adults with and without chronic conditions reported being willing to use telehealth services (85.1% and 79.8%, respectively), and no significant differences in willingness were observed across chronic condition status (aPR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.95-1.13). Perceived telehealth access appeared to be a predictor of telehealth willingness in both groups (chronic conditions: aPR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.97-1.54; no chronic conditions: aPR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.22-1.54). The prevalence of perceived barriers to telehealth was low, with the majority reporting no barriers (chronic conditions = 51.4%; no chronic conditions = 61.4%). DISCUSSION Perceived access to telehealth was associated with telehealth willingness. Investing in approaches that increase telehealth accessibility and awareness is needed to improve access to telehealth for adults with and without chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy Le
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Izabelle Mendez
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie A Ponce
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Green
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sherine El-Toukhy
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna M Nápoles
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paula D Strassle
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gong W, Liu J. Investigating the Predictors of Telemedicine Service Usage Intention in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Extended Technology Acceptance Perspective. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1390-1398. [PMID: 37010406 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In China, digital health and telemedicine services grew particularly rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of technology acceptance model (TAM) predictors, previous social media health service exposure, and telemedicine experience on individual telemedicine service usage intention within the extended theoretical framework of TAM and TAM2. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey to collect data (N = 1,088) through a Chinese online panel provider (wenjuan.com). Structural equation modeling was performed to examine relationships between the variables in the proposed model. Results: Our results indicated that technology anxiety (TA) was negatively related to perceived ease of use (PEOU) and usage intention. PEOU mediated the relationship between TA and usage intention. Social media health information consumption was positively associated with perceived usefulness (PU). Previous telemedicine satisfaction was positively related to PEOU and PU, but the direct relationship between satisfaction with telemedicine and usage intention was not found to be significant. Besides, PEOU and PU mediated the relationship between previous telemedicine satisfaction and usage intention. Conclusions: Findings of the study not only contribute to literature pertaining to telemedicine promotion by identifying important mediation relationships but also help identify potential users and provide a convenient internet-based promotion channel since they reveal that social media health information consumption is positively related to PU of telemedicine services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqi Gong
- Department of Network and New Media, School of Journalism and Communication, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Department of Journalism, School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- China's National Cohesion Research Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Kim JYH, Barth SK, Monroe AK, Ahsan S, Kovacic J, Senn S, Castel AD. The impact of COVID-19 on the HIV continuum of care: challenges, innovations, and opportunities. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:831-846. [PMID: 37470436 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2239503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In February 2019, the United States (US) launched the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative with emphasis on improving the various steps of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention and care continuum. However, in March 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared, curtailing efforts to end the epidemic in the US. AREAS COVERED To describe the impact of the pandemic on EHE in the US, the authors performed a comprehensive literature review focusing on outcomes at each step of the HIV care continuum. Simultaneously, they identified examples of pandemic-era innovations that may help EHE. EXPERT OPINION Numerous studies demonstrated pandemic-related disruptions across the care continuum as well as the impact on preexisting barriers to care among People with HIV (PWH) at higher risk for poor outcomes. As the pandemic progressed, innovative approaches to delivering healthcare and providing essential services emerged, including widespread use of telemedicine, expansion of home-based care, self-collected sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing, and co-located testing for COVID-19 and HIV/STIs. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially hindered achieving EHE in the US, the ability to be agile, flexible, and creative led to innovation in HIV care delivery that may ultimately assist in meeting EHE goals as we transition into the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Yeon Hee Kim
- Department of Global Health, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Shannon K Barth
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Anne K Monroe
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Sarah Ahsan
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Janja Kovacic
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Siena Senn
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Amanda D Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052, USA
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Wu TC, Ho CTB. Barriers to Telemedicine Adoption during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Comparison of Perceived Risks by Socioeconomic Status Correlates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3504. [PMID: 36834205 PMCID: PMC9966241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver healthcare services from a distance. In some countries, telemedicine became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its increasing popularity provides new research opportunities to unveil users' perceptions toward its adoption and continued use. Existing studies have provided limited information and understanding of Taiwanese users and the various sociodemographic factors that influence their intention to use telemedicine services. Thus, the goals of this study were twofold: identifying the dimensions of perceived risks of telemedicine services in Taiwan and providing specific responses to those perceptions as well as determining strategies to promote telemedicine to local policymakers and influencers by providing a better understanding of the perceived risks in relation to socioeconomic status. We collected 1000 valid responses using an online survey and found performance risk to be the main barrier, which was followed by psychological, physical, and technology risks. Older adults with lower levels of education are less likely to use telemedicine services compared to other categories because of multiple perceived risks, including social and psychological concerns. Understanding the differences in perceived risks of telemedicine services by socioeconomic status may aid in identifying the actions required to overcome barriers and may consequently improve adoption of the technology and user satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chi Wu
- Institute of Technology Management, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ta Bruce Ho
- Institute of Technology Management, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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