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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

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Open Access 16-08-2021 | COVID-19 | Original Article

Attitudes and perceptions of outpatients towards adoption of telemedicine in healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Nithesh Naik, Sufyan Ibrahim, Sumedha Sircar, Vathsala Patil, Belthangady Monu Zeeshan Hameed, Bhavan Prasad Rai, Piotr Chłosta, Bhaskar K. Somani

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Background

Asia is home to a burgeoning market for telemedicine with the availability of cheaper smartphones and internet services. Due to a rise in telemedicine use by doctors and patients, it is imperative to understand the perception of patients towards the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of telemedicine to the general population, the frequency with which patients avail these services, and the motivation or apprehensions in using them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

The study is performed to understand the behavioral attitude and perceptions of the population regarding telemedicine and, in doing so, make services more user-friendly for patients.

Methods

A total of 1170 participants were surveyed using a structured online questionnaire to assess the perceptions towards the adoption of telemedicine in healthcare delivery services. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify key variables of knowledge and attitude affecting the utilization of telemedicine.

Results

Of the total respondents, 35.3% of patients never encountered telemedicine before and 26.9% did not come across telemedicine even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Understanding the perceptions of patients, using targeted health education, positive communication, and behavioral modifications, is the key factor to be addressed to mitigate the apprehensions towards telemedicine and improve the utilization of the services.

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Title: Attitudes and perceptions of outpatients towards adoption of telemedicine in healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nithesh Naik
Sufyan Ibrahim
Sumedha Sircar
Vathsala Patil
Belthangady Monu Zeeshan Hameed
Bhavan Prasad Rai
Piotr Chłosta
Bhaskar K. Somani
Publication date: 16-08-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: COVID-19
Telemedicine
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02729-6

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Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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