Assessment of knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals regarding the use of telemedicine: A cross-sectional study from rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

BackgroundTelemedicine has proved its significance in the healthcare system, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as it assists in the provision of early and effective healthcare to those in distant areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals toward the use of telemedicine in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan.Materials and methodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted with 212 healthcare professionals including physicians, consultants, surgeons, residents, dentists, and house officers working in public sector hospitals. The face-to-face method was used for data collection. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to find the association between different variables and knowledge and practice of telemedicine using SPSS V 24.ResultsThe knowledge of participants regarding the usability of telemedicine and various tools used for the provision of medical services (video consultations, conferencing, use of applications, software, and online groups) was good. A total of 52.2% of participants showed agreement when they were questioned about being aware of online healthcare service provision. In this study, 52.8% of the participants practiced telemedicine by delivering healthcare services through online consultations. The majority of the participants were surgeons (25.9%), residents (23.1%), and physicians (18.9%). The internet (42.4%) and public media (25.9%) were the major sources of information for telemedicine. A total of 70.5% of participants suggested that strategies and efforts should be directed toward the enhanced implementation of telemedicine. Training in telemedicine as a source of information [OR = 13.02 (95% CI = 3.9–43.6), p < 0.001)] and awareness regarding the effect of telemedicine in healthcare quality [OR = 10.25 (95% CI = 2.9–35.4), p < 0.001)] remained the predicting factors for the practice of telemedicine among healthcare workers using multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionTelemedicine has technologically revolutionized the medical sciences worldwide. The awareness level and usage of telemedicine were good among healthcare professionals in rural Sindh. Telemedicine should be utilized to provide quality healthcare in underprivileged areas by investing in infrastructure and education.

Health Information Technologies in a Resource‐Limited Setting: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Professionals

“…Regarding practice of HITs, a 2022 study among health professionals from rural areas of Sindh in Pakistan found that 52.5% practiced telemedicine which is a similar finding to the current study [ 35 ]. The study from India found that 44% of the health professionals practice well which is lower than the current study's finding of 56% [ 28 ].…”

“…These disparities might be attributed to the varying levels of digitalization in the workplaces of healthcare professionals [ 36 ]. The study from Sindh, Pakistan, found that taking training positively influences practice levels of health professionals [ 35 ]. However, in the current study, it was found that taking training was not related to practice habits of health professionals.…”

Satisfaction with Teleophthalmology Services: Insights from Remote Areas of Taiwan

“…The survey findings highlight the importance of enhancing both internet and information technology infrastructures and the development of training programs for the medical staff. These steps are vital to ensure the safe and effective operation of teleophthalmology in the future, aligning with previous research [20,31,32].…”

Perceptions of telemedicine among healthcare professionals in rural tertiary care hospitals of rural Sindh, Pakistan: a qualitative study

“…Taking into account the above findings and analyzing other surveys, Pakistan, especially the rural areas of Sindh, still lagging to use the telemedicine to the full potential 12 . Certain factors are there, that need to be properly addressed and be worked upon to resolve the issues that prevent the effective use of telemedicine facilities in underserved areas of Sindh 10 , 11 .…”