Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Vali-E- Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
2 Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Vali-e- Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Telehealth can be a valuable tool for improving access to healthcare, especially during a pandemic. However, certain barriers have limited its widespread adoption. Therefore, this study aims to prioritize the barriers to telehealth services and identify the relationships between them.
Methods: This study is applied in terms of its objective and employs a qualitative-analytical approach for data analysis. First, key barriers were identified through a systematic review of scientific resources and expert opinions. The validity of the barriers was assessed using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). After validating the barriers, causal relationships between them were extracted and prioritized using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) method. The research population included university professors, physicians, hospital managers, and health and medical experts, of whom 22 participants were selected through purposive (snowball) sampling. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire.
Results: A review of the literature identified 16 initial barriers related to telehealth. Experts validated and finalized 14 of these barriers. The finalized barriers were classified into a six-level model. The findings indicate that the lack of an appropriate institutional framework to support telehealth and insufficient financial resources are the most fundamental and influential barriers. Addressing these barriers could help mitigate other challenges, such as technological issues and resistance to change. Additionally, barriers such as inconsistencies in insurance reimbursement and increased workload were identified as dependent barriers with less impact.
Conclusion: Based on the study results, it is recommended that policymakers, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, health insurance organizations, and other relevant institutions, take steps to establish robust legal and institutional frameworks and ensure sufficient financial resources. Furthermore, providing specialized training, developing operational guidelines, and simplifying regulations are key strategies for enhancing the acceptance and efficiency of telehealth services.
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