Harsha Jayakody
Asia e University, Malaysia
Title: A Study On Using Telemedicine For Healthcare Among General Public In Western Province, Sri Lanka
Biography
Biography: Harsha Jayakody
Abstract
Introduction
In the era of technology, most service fields have digitalized their systems to provide a more convenient, faster and safer service of better quality to their clients. However, Sri Lankans have not adapted to Telemedicine field as fast. Past literature indicated a lack of research conducted related to Sri Lankan Telemedicine field, therefore this research aimed to fill that gap. Objective was to find the relationship between knowledge, satisfaction, attitudes of Telemedicine and efficiency & effectiveness of a Teleconsultation.
Method
This was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 390 participants via a self-filled online questionnaire. The study examined the level of knowledge, satisfaction and attitudes of general public towards Telemedicine and analyzed the relationship of each variable with efficiency and effectiveness of Teleconsultation.
Results
Majority of the population (257 out of 390) had no previous experience with Telemedicine. There was no significant relationship between the use of Telemedicine and age (p=0.54), gender (p=0.703), and income (p=0.7.86). Majority of the people has a good knowledge, high satisfaction and a positive attitude towards Telemedicine. They find Telemedicine is effective and efficient. There were statistically significant relationships between knowledge and efficiency (p=0.001), knowledge and effectiveness (p<0.001), satisfaction and efficiency (p<0.001), satisfaction and effectiveness (p<0.001), attitudes and efficiency (p<0.001) & attitudes and effectiveness (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Age, gender, and income are not barriers to use Telemedicine. Better knowledge, greater satisfaction, and positive attitudes improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Teleconsultations.
Implications
Based on the factors that have been tested, spreading and improving the awareness of Telemedicine is the only measure that can help the growth of Telemedicine in Sri Lanka. Given the current circumstances, it is essential for Telemedicine service providers to give priority on improving awareness at the same time working on implementations. As this study identifies, taking measures toward a greater patient satisfaction in essential for an effective delivery of Teleconsultation.