Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 1. MSc Student Research Committee, Medical Informatics, Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 MSc Student Research Committee, Medical Informatics, Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine is the provision of remote health care by specialists using information and communication technology for better disease management and research. This study aimed to determine the level of physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards telemedicine technology.
Methods: This was a descriptive-cross-sectional study conducted in 2024. The statistical population of the study was physicians working in two hospitals in Taft City. Since the number of physicians in both hospitals was 62, sampling was not performed. The data collection tool was a pre-designed standard questionnaire consisting of 6 dimensions and 48 items. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated by experts (Cronbach's alpha = 87%). After completing the questionnaires, descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: The response rate in this study was 81%. The results showed that although most physicians had low knowledge about this technology (56%) and did not have a positive attitude, most of them had a good understanding of issues related to security (90%) and the ease of using telemedicine technology (72%). Also, they understood the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine at an average level.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards telemedicine technology are poor. Accordingly, the use of educational interventions to create awareness among physicians is essential.
Keywords: Knowledge, understanding, attitude, telemedicine, physicians
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