Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients in using telemedicine for primary care consultations at a community-based clinic chain in Pasig City, Metro Manila: A cross-sectional study
- Author:
Mark Joseph D. Bitong
1
;
Jake Bryan S. Cortez
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Other Types
- Keywords: Video conferencing
- MeSH: Telemedicine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- From: The Filipino Family Physician 2021;59(1):78-85
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Due to COVID-19, face-to-face human interaction has become a health risk. There is a need to adopt technology to provide alternative means in delivering health care for those who are unable or unwilling to see a doctor in person.
Objective:The objective was to determine the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients in using telemedicine for primary care consultations at a community-based clinic chain in Pasig City, Metro Manila
Methods:The study utilized a multi-center, cross-sectional descriptive design. A 34-item self-administered questionnaire was devised, pilot-tested, and distributed to 242 respondents in 4 clinics in Pasig City from October to November 2020.
Results:A total of 242 questionnaires were distributed with 100% response rate. Telemedicine awareness was at 44.6%. There is a favorable attitude towards telemedicine. Only 20.25% had experience in using telemedicine. Among those who had experience with telemedicine, the most used device was the mobile phone (93.4%). The respondents had various resources, with cellphone signal (47.9%) and mobile data (45.9%) being the most common. The respondents prefer phone calls (48-57%) as their primary telemedicine platform followed by video conferencing (36-40%).
Conclusion:Telemedicine awareness and utility in the surveyed community remain low despite the information and communication technology (ICT) resources available and information drives being conducted. Preliminary data suggest that the majority of the surveyed community is open to the idea of telemedicine. Phone calls and video conferences using mobile phones are the modalities of choice for consultations. A follow up study with a larger sample size and more inclusive sample is recommended - Full text:PAFP-Journal_May-59-1-2021-pages-82-89.pdf
