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Study of awareness, adoption and experience of telemedicine technology services; perspectives during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis and associated economic lockdown in India. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jstpm-10-2020-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the phenomenon of abrupt shift by both doctors and patients to telemedicine during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and associated economic lockdown in India. The study explored various drivers of telemedicine technology awareness, adoption and usage. These drives were studied from both the doctors and the patients’ perspectives using the Push–Pull–Mooring (PPM) theoretical model.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory qualitative research was carried out with 24 doctors and 32 patients. This research was conducted in major urban cities of India. It was carried out during the economic lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected based upon a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire using telephonic interviews. Once thematic saturation was achieved, thematic content analysis was conducted. Finally, the themes were classified and analyzed using the PPM theoretical model
Findings
The data analysis indicated that there was the presence of all three factors, namely, push, pull and mooring. For the doctors, pull and push factors were more substantive than mooring factors. Although for the patients push and mooring factors were more important and pressing than pull factors.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic lockdown in India. The interview respondents were located only in urban India. Future studies could be conducted to explore similarities and differences in telemedicine adoption patterns during non-crisis times vis-a-vis crisis times in urban and rural settings.
Practical implications
The insights from this study could be used by medical service providers to leverage telemedicine technology to improve the business model, service delivery, pricing strategy, value proposition and behavioral characteristics. Patients on the other hand could gather perspectives regarding how best to use telemedicine technological services.
Originality/value
The authors provided an integrated perspective regarding telemedicine technology awareness, adoption and usage in an emerging economy of India during the critical times of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and the associated prolonged economic lockdown. This was one of the first studies that applied PPM theory for telemedicine adoption
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Wang TT, Li JM, Zhu CR, Hong Z, An DM, Yang HY, Ren JC, Zou XM, Huang C, Chi XS, Chen JN, Hong Z, Wang WZ, Xu CG, He L, Li WM, Zhou D. Assessment of Utilization and Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine Program in Western Regions of China: A 12-Year Study of 249 Hospitals Across 112 Cities. Telemed J E Health 2016; 22:909-920. [PMID: 27314300 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2015.0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The imbalance in healthcare between urban and rural areas is still a problem in China. In recent decades, China has aimed to develop telemedicine. We assessed the implementation, utilization, and cost-effectiveness of a large telemedicine program across western China. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 2002-2013, a government-sponsored major telemedicine program was established by West China Hospital of Sichuan University (hub), covering 249 spoke hospitals in 112 cities throughout western China and in 40 medical expertise areas. We analyzed the cross-sectional data from 11,987 consultations conducted at West China Hospital using the telemedicine network over a 12-year period. The types of diseases as well as the diagnosis and treatment changes were assessed. We also performed a cost-savings analysis and a one-way sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Of the 11,987 teleconsultations, we noted that neoplasms (19.4%), injuries (13.9%), and circulatory diseases (10.3%) were the three most common diagnoses. Teleconsultations resulted in a change of diagnosis in 4,772 (39.8%) patients, and 3,707 (77.7%) of them underwent major diagnosis changes. Moreover, it led to a change of treatment in 6,591 (55.0%) patients, including 3,677 (55.8%) changes not linked to diagnosis changes. The telemedicine network resulted in an estimated net saving of $2,364,525 (if the patients traveled to the hub) or $3,759,014 (if the specialists traveled to the spoke hospitals). CONCLUSIONS The introduction of telemedicine in China, linking highly specialized major hospitals (hub) with hundreds of small rural hospitals (spoke), can greatly improve the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery and utilization. This new Internet-based healthcare model should be utilized more widely in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Wang
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin-Mei Li
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cai-Rong Zhu
- 2 Department of Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Hong
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong-Mei An
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong-Yu Yang
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie-Chuan Ren
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue-Mei Zou
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Sa Chi
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia-Ni Chen
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Hong
- 3 Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Wang
- 4 Department of Neuroepidemiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Cai-Gang Xu
- 5 Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China .,6 Department of Public Affairs Development, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li He
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei-Min Li
- 7 Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- 1 Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Thaker DA, Monypenny R, Olver I, Sabesan S. Cost savings from a telemedicine model of care in northern Queensland, Australia. Med J Aust 2013; 199:414-7. [DOI: 10.5694/mja12.11781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Darshit A Thaker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD
| | | | - Ian Olver
- Cancer Council of Australia, Sydney, NSW
| | - Sabe Sabesan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD
- Townsville Clinical School, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD
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Loh PK, Sabesan S, Allen D, Caldwell P, Mozer R, Komesaroff PA, Talman P, Williams M, Shaheen N, Grabinski O, Withnall D. Practical aspects of telehealth: financial considerations. Intern Med J 2013; 43:829-34. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P. K. Loh
- Department of Geriatric Medicine; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth; Western Australia
| | | | | | | | - R. Mozer
- Rehabilitation Medicine; Rankin Park Centre; Newcastle; New South Wales
| | | | | | - M. Williams
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health; Mackay Hospital; Mackay; Queensland
| | - N. Shaheen
- Aged Care Services; Royal North Shore Hospital
| | - O. Grabinski
- Policy and Advocacy Unit; The Royal Australasian College of Physicians; Sydney
| | - D. Withnall
- Policy and Advocacy Unit; The Royal Australasian College of Physicians; Sydney
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Kazley AS, McLeod AC, Wager KA. Telemedicine in an international context: definition, use, and future. Adv Health Care Manag 2012; 12:143-69. [PMID: 22894049 DOI: 10.1108/s1474-8231(2012)0000012011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Use of telemedicine is increasingly prevalent in order to provide better access to expert care, and we examine telemedicine use internationally. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY Using Donabedian's structure, process outcome framework, we conduct an analysis of published studies in the United States, Europe, and Asia to examine the uses, conditions treated, barriers, and future of telemedicine. FINDINGS We identify several similarities and challenges to telemedicine use in each region. We find use of videoconferencing between providers or providers and patients for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Studies in the United States are more likely to identify applications for the use of chronic conditions, whereas studies in Europe or Asia are more likely to use them for acute access to expertise. Each region reported comparable challenges in reimbursement, liability, technology, and provider licensing. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS We compare available research articles from three diverse regions, and many of the articles were merely descriptive in nature. Furthermore, the number of articles per region varied. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Barriers to telemedicine use include a lack of reimbursement, language commonality, technological availability, physician licensure or credentialing, trained support staff and patient privacy, and security assurances. Practitioners and policy makers should work to address these barriers. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Through this work, a summary of the research to date describes telemedicine use in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Identification of use and barriers may provide impetus for improving access to care by finding ways to increase telemedicine use through standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Swanson Kazley
- Department of Health Care Leadership and Management, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Gazewood JD, Rollins LK, Galazka SS. Beyond the horizon: the role of academic health centers in improving the health of rural communities. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2006; 81:793-7. [PMID: 16936482 DOI: 10.1097/01.acm.0000233009.96164.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Academic health centers (AHCs) face increasing pressures from federal, state, and community stakeholders to fulfill their social missions to the communities they serve. Yet, in the 21st century, rural communities in the United States face an array of health care problems, including a shortage of physicians, health problems that disproportionately affect rural populations, a need to improve quality of care, and health disparities related to disproportionate levels of poverty and shifting demographics. AHCs have a key role to play in addressing these issues. AHCs can increase physician supply by targeting their admissions policies and educational programs. Specific health concerns of rural populations can be further addressed through increased use of telemedicine consultations. By partnering with providers in rural areas and through the use of innovative technologies, AHCs can help rural providers increase the quality of care. Partnerships with rural communities provide opportunities for participatory research to address health disparities. In addition, collaboration between AHCs, regional planning agencies, and rural communities can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. At a time when many AHCs are operating in an environment with dwindling resources, it is even more critical for AHCs to build creative partnerships to help meet the needs of their regional communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Gazewood
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
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